Hi Bob,
It is a shame that the poor old ‘Jolly Roger’ building has ended up with out a viable use and of course it would be nice if it could revert back to its roots and once again become an entertainment venue, but alas I think those days are long gone The Ocean theatre succumbed to falling audiences and revenue forcing a change of use, plus I don’t think it would be fair on the people who keep Clacton’s ‘Westcliff Theatre’ open to have any competition on their shrinking audience.
Of course the new owners want to make every part of the Pier become profitable to warrant the investment in the refurbishment of the different area’s and buildings on the Pier. I can share with you that one possible new use, which is still a few years away, will be in connection with the development of the old swimming pool. At the present time the pool has become locked away behind the Seaquarium. To allow the pool area to become more accessible for its future development, the present Jolly Roger building would adapt quite easily to a new aquatic and marine life experience which would also include a restaurant , although not sure if fish would be on the menu.
CE
PS Unfortunately there is very little remaining to remind us of what once was a very busy theatre. All those forgotten artistes that once trod the boards, although one remaining notice still hangs on what is left of the stage, the rest of the corner is now dismantled and long gone.