Comments from Ian

Ian commented about Plaza Theatre on Dec 19, 2009 at 7:12 am

The great thing with this theatre is that the people working there LOVE the building and are so proud of it – this really is apparent to visitors.

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 commented about Kinema in the Woods on Dec 17, 2009 at 1:56 am

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 commented about Quay Theatre on Dec 14, 2009 at 7:42 am

Photos of the Quay Theatre here:–

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

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

Ian commented about Westminster Theatre on Dec 13, 2009 at 2:54 pm

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 commented about Regal Theatre on Dec 13, 2009 at 4:07 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 commented about Corn Exchange Theatre on Dec 11, 2009 at 3:59 am

Two 2009 interiors here:–

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

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

Ian commented about Palace Theatre on Dec 10, 2009 at 3:03 pm

Worth noting that the 1953 repairs to the façade (covering it with faïence 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 commented about Old Vic Theatre on Dec 7, 2009 at 3:10 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/

Ian commented about Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Nov 23, 2009 at 11:42 am

More photos (interior) here:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/178987404/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/92126988/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2722716806/

And an “A Chorus Line” exterior here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2301401617/

Ian commented about Phoenix Theatre on Nov 17, 2009 at 10:29 am

Further photographs – interior and exterior – here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/218478155/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/218478154/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1081840097/

Ian commented about Odeon Luxe Sheffield on Nov 14, 2009 at 4:07 am

The entrance and foyer in November 2009:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4101934039/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4101934225/

Ian commented about Odeon Luxe Sheffield on Nov 10, 2009 at 2:38 am

A night photo of the Odeon appears here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4092292234/