The Gateway Theatre is gearing up to celebrate its 120th anniversary with a year filled with special events and memorable experiences.

As the landmark approaches a significant milestone, it is impossible not to reflect on its dramatic past.

As far back as 1900, the land on which the theatre now stands was owned by Mr R Fewins, who ran a factory for mineral aerated water and ginger beer production.

Behind this factory was a row of cottages.

This land would eventually be the site where the renowned local builder George H Richards, under instruction from the newly formed Town Hall Company, built what is known today as the Gateway Theatre.

Officially opened on July 27, 1905, by Sir John Kennaway MP, the property quickly became the town's hub, reflecting its success and prosperity.

Over the years, the Gateway Theatre has witnessed and facilitated numerous major events.

In the 1920s, it became the first regular cinema in town, airing films every Thursday and Saturday.

It was in these halls that the Choral Society was formed on January 24, 1924 and performed their first concert Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast, under the baton of British composer, William Walton.

While change swept over the town, with the Seaton Electricity Company showcasing the marvels of electricity over gas lighting and coal fires in 1935 and the Regal Cinema's inception resulting in the end of Gateway's cinema era, the theatre's story continued.

But World War II brought a change of patrons.

American soldiers, GIs, stationed locally found their recreation in the theatre's warmth - much to the local menfolk’s displeasure.

Disaster struck in the early hours of January 22, 1945, when a fire destroyed the building.

Fire brigades from Seaton, Colyton, Axminster, Sidmouth, and Honiton were mobilised, but the central main hall was virtually razed, with only a few roof girders and parts of the side walls intact.

Reconstruction took place years later, in 1952, and again in 1973 when the East Devon District Council took over the building.

The theatre was nearly lost in 2016 due to financial issues, and the East Devon District Council considered demolishing it.

But a group of dedicated patrons saw it could work as a successful venue and saved the theatre from the wrecking ball.

Later that year, the theatre was handed over to the Seaton Town Council and became the Seaton Gateway Theatre Company Limited.

It took more luck and hard work, and the theatre managed to weather the pandemic that forced it to close its doors.

As the theatre continues to stand firm, facing every challenge head-on, and celebrating the 120th anniversary, the tide of change is shifting in Seaton.

Investment in new properties, coastal protection funding, and the Seaton Chamber's efforts, all these signs point towards brighter days akin to the prosperity of the late Victorian era.

With the theatre manager's ambitions set high and fortified by Seaton's changing landscape, the Gateway Theatre seems destined to remain a beacon of culture, history and entertainment, continuing to mark many more milestones in the years to come.