WESTCLIFF residents were given the opportunity to have an “access all areas” tour of the Palace Theatre at an open day for all the family.

The tour enabled visitors to walk through the whole of the Grade II listed theatre in London Road to see what truly goes on behind the scenes.

Sophie Lander, the head of community and education, said: “It was a very successful day, we were packed from 11am until the day ended. At the start of the day there 200 people queueing outside so we knew we were in for a successful day from the get go.”

The tour of the historic building included a display of the stage technicians’ work in the shows which the younger visitors also had the opportunity to try out, as well as arts and crafts and a treasure hunt.

Parents were welcome to relax in the foyer of the theatre with a drink while listening to live music from the theatre’s pianist.

The open day gave the visitors an exclusive chance to take in the history of the theatre that has been part of Southend for more than a century.

The theatre was built 105 years ago and was originally named the Palace of Varieties.

During that time the theatre had struggled through a financial crisis which forced it to close.

After more than 1,000 letters to the council and protest marches in the streets, the theatre reopened its doors.