To add to my above comments, also in 1937, a further cinema to the designs of architect Thomas Robert Eager are also listed in the above mentioned directory, however, only the road name is mentioned, no cinema name, so this could be a further plan for this site, or another along the Crumlin Road. Further work is needed to sort these out I fear!
Plans for the Forum were submitted to the planners in 1936 by architect Robert Sharpe Hill, but were these the ones actually built? A further set of plans for the Forum Cinema were submitted by architect John McBride Neill early in 1937 for a cinema and a shop. Neill’s work has been noted as being built in the ‘Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720 - 1940’ online, whereas the line noting Hill’s work is left blank, indicating that it was not built at all….
To help Joe, and Ken, the Theatre Royal wasn’t completely demolished, but instead, remodelled into the Royal Cinema. The architect for this work was Bertie Crewe, he submitted plans for the remodelling of the TR in 1915. The design was similar to that used in London a few years earlier.
Plans deposited in 1915 show this as being a conversion of the Theatre Royal, rather than demolition and a new build, also, the architect is given as being Bertie Crewe, so little wonder it looks similar to his theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, London!
The consulting engineer for the superstructure built on piers was Thomas Garland. Carved wooden figures on either side of the proscenium were by Lawrence Campbell, RHA.
Address should be Lon Goch, Amlwch,LL68 9AL. Somerfield demolished the old cinema building and had a modern store built on the site, this has now been re-branded to a Co-Op.
The first cinema to open at the then RAF Alconbury was the Astra Cinema, this closed, along with most of the base after WW2. In readiness for a new role, the airbase was significantly rebuilt, including a later Alconbury Theatre as it was last called. This was operated by the US Air Force for their own personnel and families on the base.
In line with the gradual thinning down of personnel stationed overseas, RAF Alconbury has been largely sold off and the land built on with modern day shops and housing. The cinema has also been closed for a long time, and may well be demolished by now. It is noted on the USAF website as closed.
A tragic accident happened in the derelict building in the early 1960’s (1962 or 1963 I think), where a lad fell through the roof of the building and was badly injured.
Star moved the Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club to a former Co-Operative Hall, known as Oakfield House, opening there as the New Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club.
The Pavilion was only separated from the Empress on the same road by the row of cottages fronting Carlyle Street, as can be seen in this photograph. The Pavilion had a modernisation carried out on the façade at some point as well.
Architect was Frederick Turner Waddington. The canopy was added in 1938 to the plans of Tulloch & Fitzsimmons.
Architect was Thomas McLean for this venue. Plans were drawn up starting in 1934, being adjusted slightly and approved in 1935.
To add to my above comments, also in 1937, a further cinema to the designs of architect Thomas Robert Eager are also listed in the above mentioned directory, however, only the road name is mentioned, no cinema name, so this could be a further plan for this site, or another along the Crumlin Road. Further work is needed to sort these out I fear!
Architect was William Moore.
Plans for the Forum were submitted to the planners in 1936 by architect Robert Sharpe Hill, but were these the ones actually built? A further set of plans for the Forum Cinema were submitted by architect John McBride Neill early in 1937 for a cinema and a shop. Neill’s work has been noted as being built in the ‘Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720 - 1940’ online, whereas the line noting Hill’s work is left blank, indicating that it was not built at all….
Built for Savoy Picture House Ltd.
Alterations to the plans of James Corden Stevenson were carried out in 1925.
Architect for this cinema was Thomas H. Guthrie. Alterations, to the plans of John McBride Neill were carried out in 1937.
To help Joe, and Ken, the Theatre Royal wasn’t completely demolished, but instead, remodelled into the Royal Cinema. The architect for this work was Bertie Crewe, he submitted plans for the remodelling of the TR in 1915. The design was similar to that used in London a few years earlier.
Architect was William Moore.
Plans deposited in 1915 show this as being a conversion of the Theatre Royal, rather than demolition and a new build, also, the architect is given as being Bertie Crewe, so little wonder it looks similar to his theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, London!
Architect was Thomas McLean.
Architect was John McBride Neill.
Another fine cinema by John McBride Neill, it was originally planned to open as the Ritz Cinema.
The consulting engineer for the superstructure built on piers was Thomas Garland. Carved wooden figures on either side of the proscenium were by Lawrence Campbell, RHA.
Built and opened 1946, the architect was Owen Doyle. Builders were M. Duffy & Son.
Architect was Robert Sharpe Hill.
Photo by Harry Rigby, I hope he doesn’t mind!
Address should be Lon Goch, Amlwch,LL68 9AL. Somerfield demolished the old cinema building and had a modern store built on the site, this has now been re-branded to a Co-Op.
Address is incorrect, it should be 128, Stirling Street, FK12 5EH. Currently in use as a meat wholesale store, Macfarlane Meat Products.
The first cinema to open at the then RAF Alconbury was the Astra Cinema, this closed, along with most of the base after WW2. In readiness for a new role, the airbase was significantly rebuilt, including a later Alconbury Theatre as it was last called. This was operated by the US Air Force for their own personnel and families on the base. In line with the gradual thinning down of personnel stationed overseas, RAF Alconbury has been largely sold off and the land built on with modern day shops and housing. The cinema has also been closed for a long time, and may well be demolished by now. It is noted on the USAF website as closed.
A tragic accident happened in the derelict building in the early 1960’s (1962 or 1963 I think), where a lad fell through the roof of the building and was badly injured.
Streetview in 2023 still shows the forlorn former Ritz shuttered and deteriorating.
Star moved the Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club to a former Co-Operative Hall, known as Oakfield House, opening there as the New Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club.
The Pavilion was only separated from the Empress on the same road by the row of cottages fronting Carlyle Street, as can be seen in this photograph. The Pavilion had a modernisation carried out on the façade at some point as well.