Newton Abbot in Old Pictures: Alexandra Theatre & Market Street, 1981

This shows the Alexandra Theatre, which does not look very different today. It is likely that I took it in June 1981, as the film poster on the right hand side of the main entrance is For Your Eyes Only, the James Bond film released in that month.

On the right of the picture – and in the shade – is the Jolly Farmer pub, and on the left you can just about make out part of the sign for the Market House Inn, which is now the Market Gate. There is also prominent signage for the Liberal Club which is, believe it or not, a Grade II Listed Building, an accolade that in my view it deserves. It is a striking building and is now home to one of the most popular night clubs in the town – Bar 7.

Straight ahead and to the left of the Alexandra you can see the end of the multi-storey car park. And yes, Market Street was a busy road with traffic heading down Sherborne Road to the junction with Courtenay Street.