In April 2018 the Electric Palace was awarded £653,000 from the Heritage Lottery for extensive refurbishment work, especially with regard to the ceiling plaster work (which followed incidents in London and Ipswich where plaster had fallen from the ceiling). The cinema has also not been fully redecorated since it was first restored in the 1970s; the seats and toilets will be refurbished, some electrical equipment will be replaced and the stage will be enlarged. The work will be carried out by Ipswich-based firm Nicholas Jacobs Architects.
The cinema will be closed for several months. The closure date has been put back a few times (as of writing, it is set for August). Anticipating a slightly earlier closure, the Trust had the inspired idea of recreating a ‘cinema-in-a-tent’ Bioscope on Harwich Green for the Harwich Festival, which ran from Thursday 21st June to Sunday 1st July.
This was based on the type of Bioscope presented by Charles Thurston, the travelling showman who built the Electric Palace.
His first travelling cinema, the Original Royal Show, first appeared at Norwich Easter Fair in 1901. It had a Gavioli fairground organ and was soon renamed Thurston’s Royal Show. It visited Harwich and many towns in East Anglia. In 1908 he launched an even bigger attraction, “The Great Show”, which featured the Bioscope showing ‘Living Pictures’ and vaudeville acts. It, too, had an organ and a very elaborately decorated ‘front’. Very soon afterwards, of course, safety regulations led to the rise of the purpose-built cinemas, and the fairground bioscopes closed down. [Thanks to Ken Roe for this information.]
The programme of events at the ‘Bioscope on Harwich Green’ included a demonstration of the Edwardian Bioscope by David Cleveland and Nigel Lister, local films and a variety of classic and recent feature films. I attended on the final day, when Eisenstein’s “Battleship Potemkin” was shown, with live piano accompaniment by Chris Jarrett. The show was introduced by Trustee Chris Strachan and the mayor, Charlie Powell, made this a Gala screening. He spoke passionately about the Electric Palace.
The ornate frontage to the Bioscope was the work of carpenter Adam Threadgall and his team, with design and painting by sign writer and artist Bryan Rowland. See ‘Photos’ for the results!
Following a visit to Newcastle Emlyn in June 2018 I was fortunate to be in contact with Ken Jones, chairman of the local history society. He kindly sent me the scans of the programme booklets for March 1960 and April 1967.
Although the Star and Shadow moved out of its former home in 2015, the official opening of its new premises did not take place until the weekend of 22nd-24th June 2018. A crowd-funding campaign had eventually raised the £50,000 needed to enable the team of dedicated volunteers (there are no paid employees) to transform the former furniture showroom into the ‘new’ Star and Shadow community cinema and arts space.
I visited on Sunday 24th June 2018 to see “Deadpool 2”, starring Ryan Reynolds. This is the usual high quality, very colourful and inviting Cineworld. Beyond the ticket-checker is a large, very comfortable lounge, perfect to relax in before heading into the screening.
The very generous seating capacities are: IMAX:428; Screen 1:158; 2:157; 3:264; 4:195, 5:55; 6:63; 7:55; 8:62; 9:212 and 10:311.
I visited on Sunday 24th June 2018 and saw “Ocean’s Eight”, starring Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett. I had a nice chat with the very friendly duty manager, who is clearly a serious film buff! The cinema has all the distinctive features of the Light circuit – a ‘green’ cafe, readograph over the bar, vintage posters and multi-coloured seating. I was also intrigued to see the new logo “Sociable Cinema”, which is apparently being rolled out across all their sites.
When I visited, on Saturday 23rd June 2018 to see “The Happy Prince”, starring Rupert Everett, I was given a warm welcome by the duty manager. This is another splendidly appointed Light multiplex, with the circuit’s distinctive ‘green’ cafe, readograph over the bar and, in the auditoriums, comfortable multi-coloured, rocker seats. I was intrigued to note the circuit’s new logo: “Sociable Cinema”. I gather this is being rolled out across all their existing sites.
I visited Libanus 1877 on Thursday 21st June 2018 to see “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”. I was made very welcome by co-owner Peter Fleming, who is quite rightly very proud of this splendid cinema and restaurant. The auditorium is especially comfortable, with a main bank of seats supplemented by large, free-standing armchairs down the right-hand side, and two alcoves at the back, with seating for one patron on one side and two patrons (on a rather comfortable settee!) on the other side.
When I visited, on Thursday 21st June 2018, for a matinee of “Solo: A Star Wars Story”, I was given a very warm welcome by Liz Hutchinson who, in addition to managing the cinema, runs her own company, Hutchfolk Media, and is very passionate about film! The Magic Lantern is a splendidly quirky cinema, with a wonderful set of murals down the auditorium sides and a pleasant cafe/bar in the foyer (into which the auditorium originally extended). It was lovely to see tabs being used, and it’s not often I get the choice of stalls or circle! A thoroughly enjoyable visit.
The rather plain building ‘hides’ a really lovely auditorium, complete with extremely comfortable seats, side slips and balcony in a very distinctive design. When I called in, on Tuesday 5th June 2018, to see “Edie”, starring Sheila Hancock (and filmed in the Scottish Highlands) I was made very welcome by the clearly very enthusiastic staff.
When I visited, on 6th May 2018, the building was closed up. An undated note in the front window, from “Paul and Lynn”, said that it closed without warning “due to the manner of the sale of the snooker centre” and that they have now retired. They thanked their customers for their patronage over the last 32 years, so presumably closure came in 2017.
In February 2018 I was asked by Sam Falconer, at ODEON, for permission to use my December 1998 and June 2003 images in a display the company was creating to celebrate 70 years of ODEON in Glasgow. I was only too pleased to provide this. Detailing the circuit’s presence right across the city, the display was unveiled in April 2018 at ODEON Luxe, Glasgow Quay, where I am pleased to say it has a permanent home. Sam very kindly sent me the photograph I have posted. In these days of ever more futuristic, state-of-the-art all-digital multiplexes (such as ODEON’s own Luxe brand) it is heartening that the company is so mindful of its proud heritage.
On 9th April 2018 Third Force News reported that this cinema is set to be restored to its former glory after a mammoth fundraising effort from the local community.
The Fraser Centre Community Trust project looked like it was facing crisis point in February when it realised it had to raise £400,000 by the end of March. However, through a combination of design savings and additional fundraising, including a passionate response from the local community, the group has now said it has achieved its £2.9 million target and the project will go ahead.
The trust’s intention is to transform the former picture house into a hub for learning, development, arts and entertainment in the heart of the town.
Building contracts have been signed and the project is expected to commence in the next few weeks. The trust will continue to fund raise for the purchase of cinema equipment, raked seating and decorative features which have been removed during the cost saving exercise.
It is always heart-warming when a former cinema returns to screen entertainment, and this is a splendid example. I was given a warm welcome by the very enthusiastic staff when I called in, on 10th April 2018, to see Wes Anderson’s animated fantasy “Isle of Dogs”. That was in Screen 3, one of the two smaller screens in the former balcony. They have been fitted out with ‘Luxury’ seating, as have the two larger screens in the former stalls area (which also have rows of ‘Elite’ and ‘Ultra Luxury’ seating at the rear). Capacities are: Screens 1 and 2: 125 each, Screen 3: 76 seats and Screen 4: 77 seats. Interestingly, there are plans to open a ‘Little Palace’ bingo club in space at the rear; it is unclear how much of this space, if any, was the former cinema auditorium.
As the Overview suggests, this must be one of the loveliest arts centres in the country. The buildings sit in extensive grounds, with parkland to the rear and a formal Italian Garden to one side. The large mansion contains many function rooms, including recital rooms and a 50-seat Studio Theatre. Alongside the mansion, the 325-seat Wilde Theatre was opened on 23rd April 1983 by HRH The Princess Anne. The modest but comfortable cinema is housed in a former dining room. According to the usher/projectionist, this opened in December 1973, following the opening of the arts centre in the October. (The cinema is listed in the 1980 Cinema Theatre Association ‘Directory of Cinemas’, with 60 seats as at present.)
I believe the press release referred to by CF100 was a touch premature. According to the Croydon Advertiser (Wednesday 14th February), the Empire opened the day before, on Tuesday 13th February. The article also confirmed that pretty much the only thing remaining from the original cinema is the outside wall.
While on holiday in Malta in February 2018 I was pleased, but not a little surprised, in these days of the internet, to find that the City Lights is still operating, showing softcore adult films throughout the day. Not only that, but, having been re-acquainted with the owner, I was delighted when he proudly showed me the Cinema Bar he has constructed in an adjacent, ground floor space, which, I gathered, only opened very recently. The seating consists of old tip-up cinema seats, and films are shown on a drop-down screen. This is a very imaginative use of this space, and I wished him well with this additional venture.
On 8th January 2018, while visiting a friend living in Bognor Regis, I hired the Picture Palace for a private show. The cost was £75.00 for three hours. Patrons take along their own DVD/Blu-ray, and we enjoyed an afternoon screening of the Bette Davis classic “Now, Voyager”.
In January 2017 Reel began a major transformation of this former Apollo cinema. Screenings continued while the whole cinema was given a superb upgrade, with all nine screens being gutted and refitted with premier seating, with more leg room, and new carpets. Two of the auditoriums have been converted into VIP and a Premier Lounges.
There is also an upgraded foyer with revamped food and drink concessions including a new licensed bar. The attractively designed foyer includes digital screens showcasing the latest film times, trailers and cinema offers, and a comfortable seating area.
The ‘grand unveiling’ was held on Thursday 21st September 2017, in the presence of the Major of Burnley, Cllr Howard Baker, and MP Jack Straw, when invited guests enjoyed a screening of “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”, starring Taron Egerton and Colin Firth.
Revised seating capacities are: VIP Lounge (previously Screen 1): 29; Screen 2: 176; Premier Lounge (previously Screen 3): 29; Screen 4: 244; Screen 5: 65; Screen 6: 244; Screen 7: 65; Screen 8: 176 and Screen 9: 62. This total of 1,090 reveals the effect of the upgrading on the original seating total of 1,632.
I visited on 23rd October 2017. Deciding to treat myself, I saw “Geostorm”, starring Gerard Butler, in the VIP Lounge. Tickets cost £17.50 (or £30 for two), as opposed to £6.00 in the ‘standard’ screens, so I was a little surprised when nine other patrons joined me for this Monday afternoon screening. However, in addition to the extreme luxury, with electrically operated seats with extendable foot rests, the supply of ‘freebies’ perhaps explained this in part: I was offered a choice of popcorn or nachos, I was handed a ‘goody bag’ containing chocolate bars and a small bottle of water, a glass of orange juice or Prosecco was offered as I entered the auditorium and I was given a bottle of Budweiser as the show began. Then, halfway through the film, we were given our choice of a Galaxy ice cream bar!
My congratulations on Reel on a superb refurbishment.
I was given my usual warm welcome by the friendly staff when I visited, on 20th October 2017, to see “The Snowman”, starring Michael Fessbender. One trademark of the Light cinemas is their use of multi-colour design in the auditoriums, making them very attractive and welcoming. The foyer is also very well laid out, with lattice screens separating bar and cafe areas. Seating capacities are: Screen 1:170; Screen 2:56; Screen 3:54; Screen 4:50; Screen 5:64; Screen 6:101; Screen 7:82; Screen 8:167 and Screen 9:128.
According to the on-line National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, the Ormande opened circa 1950. It is not listed in the 1940 Kine Year Book (KYB), but it is in the 1953 edition. It had a 30ft wide proscenium. The proprietor was The Southern Star Cinema Company; presumably that company built the Ormande after closing the Southern Star (which is listed in the 1940 KYB, but not in the 1953 edition.)
In April 2018 the Electric Palace was awarded £653,000 from the Heritage Lottery for extensive refurbishment work, especially with regard to the ceiling plaster work (which followed incidents in London and Ipswich where plaster had fallen from the ceiling). The cinema has also not been fully redecorated since it was first restored in the 1970s; the seats and toilets will be refurbished, some electrical equipment will be replaced and the stage will be enlarged. The work will be carried out by Ipswich-based firm Nicholas Jacobs Architects.
The cinema will be closed for several months. The closure date has been put back a few times (as of writing, it is set for August). Anticipating a slightly earlier closure, the Trust had the inspired idea of recreating a ‘cinema-in-a-tent’ Bioscope on Harwich Green for the Harwich Festival, which ran from Thursday 21st June to Sunday 1st July.
This was based on the type of Bioscope presented by Charles Thurston, the travelling showman who built the Electric Palace.
His first travelling cinema, the Original Royal Show, first appeared at Norwich Easter Fair in 1901. It had a Gavioli fairground organ and was soon renamed Thurston’s Royal Show. It visited Harwich and many towns in East Anglia. In 1908 he launched an even bigger attraction, “The Great Show”, which featured the Bioscope showing ‘Living Pictures’ and vaudeville acts. It, too, had an organ and a very elaborately decorated ‘front’. Very soon afterwards, of course, safety regulations led to the rise of the purpose-built cinemas, and the fairground bioscopes closed down. [Thanks to Ken Roe for this information.]
The programme of events at the ‘Bioscope on Harwich Green’ included a demonstration of the Edwardian Bioscope by David Cleveland and Nigel Lister, local films and a variety of classic and recent feature films. I attended on the final day, when Eisenstein’s “Battleship Potemkin” was shown, with live piano accompaniment by Chris Jarrett. The show was introduced by Trustee Chris Strachan and the mayor, Charlie Powell, made this a Gala screening. He spoke passionately about the Electric Palace.
The ornate frontage to the Bioscope was the work of carpenter Adam Threadgall and his team, with design and painting by sign writer and artist Bryan Rowland. See ‘Photos’ for the results!
Following a visit to Newcastle Emlyn in June 2018 I was fortunate to be in contact with Ken Jones, chairman of the local history society. He kindly sent me the scans of the programme booklets for March 1960 and April 1967.
Although the Star and Shadow moved out of its former home in 2015, the official opening of its new premises did not take place until the weekend of 22nd-24th June 2018. A crowd-funding campaign had eventually raised the £50,000 needed to enable the team of dedicated volunteers (there are no paid employees) to transform the former furniture showroom into the ‘new’ Star and Shadow community cinema and arts space.
I visited on Sunday 24th June 2018 to see “Deadpool 2”, starring Ryan Reynolds. This is the usual high quality, very colourful and inviting Cineworld. Beyond the ticket-checker is a large, very comfortable lounge, perfect to relax in before heading into the screening.
The very generous seating capacities are: IMAX:428; Screen 1:158; 2:157; 3:264; 4:195, 5:55; 6:63; 7:55; 8:62; 9:212 and 10:311.
I visited on Sunday 24th June 2018 and saw “Ocean’s Eight”, starring Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett. I had a nice chat with the very friendly duty manager, who is clearly a serious film buff! The cinema has all the distinctive features of the Light circuit – a ‘green’ cafe, readograph over the bar, vintage posters and multi-coloured seating. I was also intrigued to see the new logo “Sociable Cinema”, which is apparently being rolled out across all their sites.
Seating capacities are: Screen 1:105; Screen 2:105; Screen 3:50; Screen 4:40; Screen 5:37 and Screen 6:51.
When I visited, on Saturday 23rd June 2018 to see “The Happy Prince”, starring Rupert Everett, I was given a warm welcome by the duty manager. This is another splendidly appointed Light multiplex, with the circuit’s distinctive ‘green’ cafe, readograph over the bar and, in the auditoriums, comfortable multi-coloured, rocker seats. I was intrigued to note the circuit’s new logo: “Sociable Cinema”. I gather this is being rolled out across all their existing sites.
Seating capacities are: Screen 1:83; Screen 2:42; Screen 3:146; Screen 4:173; Screen 5:72; Screen 6:62; Screen 7:65; Screen 8:67; Screen 9:136 and Screen 10:64
I visited Libanus 1877 on Thursday 21st June 2018 to see “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”. I was made very welcome by co-owner Peter Fleming, who is quite rightly very proud of this splendid cinema and restaurant. The auditorium is especially comfortable, with a main bank of seats supplemented by large, free-standing armchairs down the right-hand side, and two alcoves at the back, with seating for one patron on one side and two patrons (on a rather comfortable settee!) on the other side.
When I visited, on Thursday 21st June 2018, for a matinee of “Solo: A Star Wars Story”, I was given a very warm welcome by Liz Hutchinson who, in addition to managing the cinema, runs her own company, Hutchfolk Media, and is very passionate about film! The Magic Lantern is a splendidly quirky cinema, with a wonderful set of murals down the auditorium sides and a pleasant cafe/bar in the foyer (into which the auditorium originally extended). It was lovely to see tabs being used, and it’s not often I get the choice of stalls or circle! A thoroughly enjoyable visit.
The rather plain building ‘hides’ a really lovely auditorium, complete with extremely comfortable seats, side slips and balcony in a very distinctive design. When I called in, on Tuesday 5th June 2018, to see “Edie”, starring Sheila Hancock (and filmed in the Scottish Highlands) I was made very welcome by the clearly very enthusiastic staff.
When I visited, on 6th May 2018, the building was closed up. An undated note in the front window, from “Paul and Lynn”, said that it closed without warning “due to the manner of the sale of the snooker centre” and that they have now retired. They thanked their customers for their patronage over the last 32 years, so presumably closure came in 2017.
When I visited in April 2018 the Star Snooker signage had been removed and it was unclear whether the building was still in use.
In February 2018 I was asked by Sam Falconer, at ODEON, for permission to use my December 1998 and June 2003 images in a display the company was creating to celebrate 70 years of ODEON in Glasgow. I was only too pleased to provide this. Detailing the circuit’s presence right across the city, the display was unveiled in April 2018 at ODEON Luxe, Glasgow Quay, where I am pleased to say it has a permanent home. Sam very kindly sent me the photograph I have posted. In these days of ever more futuristic, state-of-the-art all-digital multiplexes (such as ODEON’s own Luxe brand) it is heartening that the company is so mindful of its proud heritage.
On 9th April 2018 Third Force News reported that this cinema is set to be restored to its former glory after a mammoth fundraising effort from the local community.
The Fraser Centre Community Trust project looked like it was facing crisis point in February when it realised it had to raise £400,000 by the end of March. However, through a combination of design savings and additional fundraising, including a passionate response from the local community, the group has now said it has achieved its £2.9 million target and the project will go ahead.
The trust’s intention is to transform the former picture house into a hub for learning, development, arts and entertainment in the heart of the town.
Building contracts have been signed and the project is expected to commence in the next few weeks. The trust will continue to fund raise for the purchase of cinema equipment, raked seating and decorative features which have been removed during the cost saving exercise.
It is always heart-warming when a former cinema returns to screen entertainment, and this is a splendid example. I was given a warm welcome by the very enthusiastic staff when I called in, on 10th April 2018, to see Wes Anderson’s animated fantasy “Isle of Dogs”. That was in Screen 3, one of the two smaller screens in the former balcony. They have been fitted out with ‘Luxury’ seating, as have the two larger screens in the former stalls area (which also have rows of ‘Elite’ and ‘Ultra Luxury’ seating at the rear). Capacities are: Screens 1 and 2: 125 each, Screen 3: 76 seats and Screen 4: 77 seats. Interestingly, there are plans to open a ‘Little Palace’ bingo club in space at the rear; it is unclear how much of this space, if any, was the former cinema auditorium.
As the Overview suggests, this must be one of the loveliest arts centres in the country. The buildings sit in extensive grounds, with parkland to the rear and a formal Italian Garden to one side. The large mansion contains many function rooms, including recital rooms and a 50-seat Studio Theatre. Alongside the mansion, the 325-seat Wilde Theatre was opened on 23rd April 1983 by HRH The Princess Anne. The modest but comfortable cinema is housed in a former dining room. According to the usher/projectionist, this opened in December 1973, following the opening of the arts centre in the October. (The cinema is listed in the 1980 Cinema Theatre Association ‘Directory of Cinemas’, with 60 seats as at present.)
I believe the press release referred to by CF100 was a touch premature. According to the Croydon Advertiser (Wednesday 14th February), the Empire opened the day before, on Tuesday 13th February. The article also confirmed that pretty much the only thing remaining from the original cinema is the outside wall.
While on holiday in Malta in February 2018 I was pleased, but not a little surprised, in these days of the internet, to find that the City Lights is still operating, showing softcore adult films throughout the day. Not only that, but, having been re-acquainted with the owner, I was delighted when he proudly showed me the Cinema Bar he has constructed in an adjacent, ground floor space, which, I gathered, only opened very recently. The seating consists of old tip-up cinema seats, and films are shown on a drop-down screen. This is a very imaginative use of this space, and I wished him well with this additional venture.
On 8th January 2018, while visiting a friend living in Bognor Regis, I hired the Picture Palace for a private show. The cost was £75.00 for three hours. Patrons take along their own DVD/Blu-ray, and we enjoyed an afternoon screening of the Bette Davis classic “Now, Voyager”.
According to Cinema Theatre Association member Michael Mantell, who visited Palermo in October 2017, the Etoile had closed by then.
In January 2017 Reel began a major transformation of this former Apollo cinema. Screenings continued while the whole cinema was given a superb upgrade, with all nine screens being gutted and refitted with premier seating, with more leg room, and new carpets. Two of the auditoriums have been converted into VIP and a Premier Lounges.
There is also an upgraded foyer with revamped food and drink concessions including a new licensed bar. The attractively designed foyer includes digital screens showcasing the latest film times, trailers and cinema offers, and a comfortable seating area.
The ‘grand unveiling’ was held on Thursday 21st September 2017, in the presence of the Major of Burnley, Cllr Howard Baker, and MP Jack Straw, when invited guests enjoyed a screening of “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”, starring Taron Egerton and Colin Firth.
Revised seating capacities are: VIP Lounge (previously Screen 1): 29; Screen 2: 176; Premier Lounge (previously Screen 3): 29; Screen 4: 244; Screen 5: 65; Screen 6: 244; Screen 7: 65; Screen 8: 176 and Screen 9: 62. This total of 1,090 reveals the effect of the upgrading on the original seating total of 1,632.
I visited on 23rd October 2017. Deciding to treat myself, I saw “Geostorm”, starring Gerard Butler, in the VIP Lounge. Tickets cost £17.50 (or £30 for two), as opposed to £6.00 in the ‘standard’ screens, so I was a little surprised when nine other patrons joined me for this Monday afternoon screening. However, in addition to the extreme luxury, with electrically operated seats with extendable foot rests, the supply of ‘freebies’ perhaps explained this in part: I was offered a choice of popcorn or nachos, I was handed a ‘goody bag’ containing chocolate bars and a small bottle of water, a glass of orange juice or Prosecco was offered as I entered the auditorium and I was given a bottle of Budweiser as the show began. Then, halfway through the film, we were given our choice of a Galaxy ice cream bar!
My congratulations on Reel on a superb refurbishment.
I was given my usual warm welcome by the friendly staff when I visited, on 20th October 2017, to see “The Snowman”, starring Michael Fessbender. One trademark of the Light cinemas is their use of multi-colour design in the auditoriums, making them very attractive and welcoming. The foyer is also very well laid out, with lattice screens separating bar and cafe areas. Seating capacities are: Screen 1:170; Screen 2:56; Screen 3:54; Screen 4:50; Screen 5:64; Screen 6:101; Screen 7:82; Screen 8:167 and Screen 9:128.
The Cinema World is adjacent to the Douglas Village Shopping Centre, at Junction 8 of the N40.
According to the on-line National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, the Ormande opened circa 1950. It is not listed in the 1940 Kine Year Book (KYB), but it is in the 1953 edition. It had a 30ft wide proscenium. The proprietor was The Southern Star Cinema Company; presumably that company built the Ormande after closing the Southern Star (which is listed in the 1940 KYB, but not in the 1953 edition.)
Seating capacities are: Screen 1:259; Screen 2:268; Screen 3:117; Screen 4:180; Screen 5:155 and Screen 6:73.
Seating capacities are: Screen 1 (with 3D capability):199; Screen 2:179; Screen 3:125; Screen 4:118 and Screen 5:88.