The Compton Organ was the 2nd such instrument installed in Gaumont houses (prior to 1930 Wurlitzers were used) and was a 3 manual 10 rank instrument with a new design of console unique to Gaumont, not illuminated the console was solid and seemed to be of wood with many scroll embellishments. It appeared to be on a lift in the centre of the orchestra pit and was opened by Leslie James, who was succeeded by Herbert Steele. It apparently survived in situ until the 1970’s.
In February 2008 the crittall windows in the restaurant and kitchen areas were replaced as part of the on-going upkeep of the building during the annual dark period.
An old shot – circa 1974 – of the Odeon can be seen here:–
Two more pictures here – the walls are lined with red silk – this is not a colour cast on the photo!
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Exterior photographs from 1993 here:–
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Interior photos of the theatre here:–
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Exterior pictures from 1993 here:–
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Auditorium photos here:
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A 1979 shot when it was known as “The Cinema” here:–
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Exterior picture taken in 2007 here:–
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Four interior shots taken in 1998 here:–
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A 1975 shot here:
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A photo of the Savoy whilst still operating, can be found here:
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Some photos of the Odeon / Astra can be found here:–
Exterior:
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Interior:
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Photo from 1994 of the Jesmond Picture House:–
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Shot as the Astoria Theatre here (1978):–
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1978 shot with the premiere of Pink Panther here:–
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A 1975 exterior view here:–
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A 1978 view here:–
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Two 1978 vintage pictures here:–
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1978 vintage photograph here:–
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Exterior picture here:–
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Another exterior taken shortly after conversion to the Lucky Seven Bingo Club:–
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Another photo, taken whilst the Odeon was still operating, here:–
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A further picture a year or so before closure here:–
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The Compton Organ was the 2nd such instrument installed in Gaumont houses (prior to 1930 Wurlitzers were used) and was a 3 manual 10 rank instrument with a new design of console unique to Gaumont, not illuminated the console was solid and seemed to be of wood with many scroll embellishments. It appeared to be on a lift in the centre of the orchestra pit and was opened by Leslie James, who was succeeded by Herbert Steele. It apparently survived in situ until the 1970’s.
In February 2008 the crittall windows in the restaurant and kitchen areas were replaced as part of the on-going upkeep of the building during the annual dark period.
An old shot – circa 1974 – of the Odeon can be seen here:–
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An old photo of the Embassy, Harpenden can be found here:–
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Two more photographs of the Hippodrome here:–
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A photo of the Rex here:–
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A set of photographs, mainly interior, of the Globe / ABC Theatre can be found here:
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