The building itself was initially quite a plain, almost domestic design. The frontage incorporated two small shops but, tardis-like, beyond that was a single level auditorium with seating for 750 people.
It was extensively refurbished in 1924, with the introduction of balcony seating and most notably, a brand new façade, in the form of a Hollywood-Roman style triumphal arch, designed by local architect and auctioneer, Edgar Simmons. Nonetheless, it was still affectionately known to the locals as the ‘flea-pit’!
In 1930, The Palace brought the first talkies to Letchworth, with features like ‘Mammy’ starring Al Jolson, or a young Maurice Chevalier in ‘Innocents of Paris’. These introduced the joys of “100% - all talking - all-singing – all dancing” entertainment to delighted locals.