1990s
After a short closure for some modernisation, the hall reopened at the beginning of the decade. £500,000 was spent on rewiring, improved technical facilities as well as redecoration to the back stage and front of house areas. The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra entertained audiences at the opening night.
The acts that played at the hall in the 90’s continued to be an eclectic mix of some of the most successful artists in the world and some of the finest homegrown talent. In June 1998 Bristol’s Portishead thrilled the audience with the delights of their celebrated album, Glorybox and the classical music audiences of the hall saw regular performances as part of the concert season by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra and Halle Orchestra.
In 1998, Robbie Williams performed a storming concert at the hall, this time without is fellow boy band friends. After a shaky start to his solo career, Robbie was about to take the pop world by storm after scoring a massive hit with Angels. Liz Williamson remembers it vividly:
“I will always remember the show…the atmosphere was electric. When Robbie sang Angels everyone sang along, it was so noisy you couldn’t hear Robbie singing. It was fantastic!”
In 1999 the audience experience was improved by installing removable seats in the front half of the stalls allowing fans to stand, dance and move around freely at pop shows and increasing the capacity of the hall.