Comments from Ian Grundy - Cinema Treasures

The work just completed is not the end of the restoration – new projects are still in the pipeline to further enhance the Plaza. This one of just a handful of “super-cinemas” remaining in the UK where you can still enjoy a movie with full 1930’s atmosphere.

Ian Grundy commented about Plaza Theatre on Dec 18, 2009 at 1:02 am

Photographs of the restored Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre , taken within a week of reopening in December 2009 can be found here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4194036567/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4194036779/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4194792012/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4194792286/

It really is a stunning building and the LED Holophane lighting is amazing!

Ian Grundy commented about Kinema in the Woods on Dec 16, 2009 at 10:56 pm

Two recent (December 2009) photos of the Kinema can be found here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4191510903/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4191510901/

Ian Grundy commented about Empire Theatre on Dec 16, 2009 at 1:30 am

The Empire continues to operate with live performances supplemented by a weekly session of bingo on a Monday evening. It has a plain but comfortable auditorium with a barrel vaulted ceiling. At the rear, the control room has been enhanced by the reconstruction (based on photographs) of the original 1915 proscenium arch. This is set above an authentic looking balcony, although seating at this theatre has always been on a single raked tier.

Photographs taken in December 2009 can be found here:-
Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4189955104/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4189194023/

Auditorium:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4189193831/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4189193669/

Remains of 1957 proscenium (now backstage):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4189954468/

Ian Grundy commented about Quay Theatre on Dec 14, 2009 at 4:42 am

Photos of the Quay Theatre here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4184435062/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4184434758/

Ian Grundy commented about Gainsborough Cinema on Dec 14, 2009 at 1:06 am

A December 2009 photo of the former Gainsborough is here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4183672241/

Ian Grundy commented about Westminster Theatre on Dec 13, 2009 at 11:54 am

The Westminster site has been built upon and does contain the shell of a replacement theatre – – but on-going discussions are disputing who has to fit out the shell. The old theatre was used right up until the end when following a arson attack, the remains of the building were cleared.

Photos here:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/518064907/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/376607118/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/376607117/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/376607115/

Ian Grundy commented about Cannon Charing Cross Road on Dec 13, 2009 at 1:13 am

A circa 1988 shot of the closed cinema, with the marquee still in place:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1082396565/

Ian Grundy commented about Regal Theatre on Dec 13, 2009 at 1:07 am

Following an arson attack of the Regal on 7th September 2009 the building was quickly secured against further damage whilst insurance payouts were agreed and then specialist asbestos removal in the damaged area was completed.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4180362475/

The damage was confined to the stage and screen end of the cinema and will cost around GBP 300,000 to repair, but this is almost entirely covered by the insurance policy and by December 2009 the work is progressing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4180361881/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4180362111/

The main bulk of the auditorium received only smoke and rescue (water) damage and requires redecoration, cleaning of seats and a new carpet.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4180362309/

In the 18 months since opening after a major refurbishment the Regal had build up a good trade, but this interruption will mean starting again to build an audience. Given the comfortable elegant art deco surroundings and the friendliness of the staff, this should not prove difficult.

Ian Grundy commented about Stamford Arts Centre on Dec 11, 2009 at 1:00 am

Two 2009 interiors here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4176322500/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4176322366/

Ian Grundy commented about Corn Exchange Theatre on Dec 11, 2009 at 12:59 am

Two 2009 interiors here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4176322786/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4175562473/

Ian Grundy commented about Aldeburgh Cinema on Dec 10, 2009 at 12:36 pm

Pictures taken in December 2009 (note the Xmas trees by the screen!), here:–

Exterior
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4175109668/
Foyer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4174351853/
Auditorium
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4175110174/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4174352275/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4175110982/

Ian Grundy commented about Palace Theatre on Dec 10, 2009 at 12:03 pm

Worth noting that the 1953 repairs to the faÃ§ade (covering it with faÃ¯ence tiles) was intended as a temporary post-war fix which heritage bodies have been eager to reverse for many years. The original windows can be seen peeking through the tiled walls.

Pictures from various years can be found here,
Exterior:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4045406945/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4045407189/

Interior:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/386594588/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/386594593/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/386594590/

Ian Grundy commented about New Players Theatre on Dec 7, 2009 at 12:12 pm

Two interior photos here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1857122301/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1857947112/

Ian Grundy commented about Old Vic Theatre on Dec 7, 2009 at 12:10 pm

A couple of photos of the interior of the Old Vic here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3294936354/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1858005003/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1858007103/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3294935472/