In Gzira, standing out majestically amongst lines of parked cars, old houses and endless construction sites, is the Orpheum Theatre, an Art Nouveau gem with hints of Spanish design, whose beauty is perhaps even more noticeable when contrasted with its less prestigious surroundings.

On the facade, the name of the venue stands tall in two different types of typography at the uppermost part of the building, one elaborately carved into the stone, the other, placed even higher in a minimalist type.

Nowadays, the theatre is almost always closed, save for one-off events, however when you do get the opportunity to visit, it is indeed a sight. You enter into a large open hall, big enough to host approximately 1,200 people altogether, many of whom will be seated on chairs placed in rows on the traditionally-patterned floor, decked in beautiful old Maltese tiles. The tiling expands to a large stage, decorated in sky-blue and surrounded by brass-coloured columns.

The theatre was designed in 1932 by Maltese Architect Harold J Borg, and back in the day, it was used as both a theatre and a cinema. The venue was admired and used to home performances of all kinds; from local cinematic films to award-winning heavy metal bands.

Yes, many renowned artists gave performances there throughout the ages, including tenor Luciano Tajoli, Italian singer Claido Villa in 1954, British composer Sir Malcolm Sargent, and, wait for it, even Black Sabbath in 1995!

Indeed, a Tony Martin-led Black Sabbath rocked the stage of Gzira’s Orpheum Theatre in August 1995 as part of their Forbidden Tour.

In more recent years, however, the Orpheum has been used for performances by local artists, as well as for the occasional coffee morning. It is owned by the Labour Party and is listed as a Grade 1 building. According to a theatre catalogue recently commissioned by V18, the building is now in dire need of maintenance.

Fortunately, the Gzira Local Council told GuideMeMalta that there are plans for the locality's gem to be restored to its former glory, although a definite timeframe has not yet been specified.