Keith, You are correct (up to a point). The entrance to the Classic Cinema, built adjacent and above a supermarket, was through a former shop unit in the Savoy (Essoldo) building. Here is the CT page for the Classic Cinema: /theaters/30167/
nickdrew; Yes this former Savoy is comparable to the Savoy/Mecca Bingo Club, Burnt Oak, and is well maintained. The downside with Hayes, if my memory serves me right on the last time I saw inside the building, was that for some inexplicable reason, a false suspended ceiling has been erected inside the auditorium, therefore hiding the original ceiling decoration and its light fixture. I am sure it must still remain above the false ceiling, or maybe something happened to damage the original ceiling and covering it over was the only/cheapest option. Also the original foyer decorative treatment has been entirely covered over with panelling and a false ceiling has been added to this area.
Viewed from Holland Park in April 2007:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/malcnhg/708205546/
This colourful array of Commonwealth countries flags used to fly outside the building:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexsegre/3720670439/
Now the flagpoles are bare:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddtmmm/1677976840/
The derelict interior of the Rialto Cinema, photographed in 1998:
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Some photographs and more details on the Regal Cinema/Granada:
http://www.urban75.org/brixton/history/regal.html
The Empress Theater photographed in 1995:
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Photographs, memorabilia and a more detailed history here:
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The former Princess Cinema:
Photographed in April 2008:
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Photographed in May 2009:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/carrie132/3570471605/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/carrie132/3570473427/
The Picture Palace, photographed in April 2009:
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One of the original external still frames:
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Vintage photographs, memorabilia and more history here:
http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Collins.htm
Keith, You are correct (up to a point). The entrance to the Classic Cinema, built adjacent and above a supermarket, was through a former shop unit in the Savoy (Essoldo) building. Here is the CT page for the Classic Cinema: /theaters/30167/
A May 2003 photograph of the former Embassy Cinema:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonez007/3240377745/
An exterior photograph in January 2009:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonez007/3234078885/
A vintage October 1959 photograph of the Carlton Theatre:
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A vintage photograph of the Adelphi Cinema in June 1961:
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A set of interior photographs as a bingo club in 1987:
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Some history and photographs of the Britannia Theatre here:
http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Britannia.htm
A more detailed history and some more vintage photographs here:
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Vintage photographs, memorabilia and some more details on the Metropolitan Music Hall here:
http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Metropolitan.htm
Vintage photographs, memorabilia and more history here:
http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Philharmonic.htm
Photographs and a more detailed history of the Holborn Empire Theatre here:
http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/westons.htm
nickdrew; Yes this former Savoy is comparable to the Savoy/Mecca Bingo Club, Burnt Oak, and is well maintained. The downside with Hayes, if my memory serves me right on the last time I saw inside the building, was that for some inexplicable reason, a false suspended ceiling has been erected inside the auditorium, therefore hiding the original ceiling decoration and its light fixture. I am sure it must still remain above the false ceiling, or maybe something happened to damage the original ceiling and covering it over was the only/cheapest option. Also the original foyer decorative treatment has been entirely covered over with panelling and a false ceiling has been added to this area.
A close-up of the name sign on the facade of the Regal Cinema:
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Poster frames at the Grand Cine City in February 2007;
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The closed-down Classic Cinema can be seen to the left of this 1990’s photograph of the Savoy Cinema/Essoldo/Mecca Bingo Club:
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A set of vintage photographs of the Ambassador Theatre, photographed at its 1938 opening:
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Photographs of the Beck Theatre in June 2006:
Exterior
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Auditorium
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A vintage photograph of the Embassy Cinema in 1946:
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