This should not be listed as “demolished” as both facade and auditorium block survive. It is very likely that the interior has been largely destroyed, but as the building is currently unused it is not possible to verify.
Screen tabs have been fitted and are in use at the OLS – perhaps they read the comments here? lol
At present they are awaiting a new motor which will operate the curtains at a faster speed, but as can be seen in the pictures below are a blue velvet material. Together with the re-installation of a version of the “flying ladies” the appearance of the auditorium has been made MUCH better. Now they just have to address MartinC’s comments and sort out the schedule and information.
Only part of the upper circle was converted to a large room, the rear portion, with the wall containing portholes from the projection room, steppings, and even the rear row of seats, survives and could in theory be restored to make the Dominion the largest West End Theatre. Whether there is the demand, or whether people would put up with seats at the rear of the balcony (which are a very long way from the stage) is debateable!
I saw “Mary Poppins Returns” here yesterday (fairly quiet at 14:15 showing but schools back now)from a front row seat in the royal box which I highly recommend as the location in the auditorium. Picture quality and sound superb. Refurb still very much on-going – mass exodus of workmen and frantic clearing-up in foyer just before doors opened. Can only echo comments above that tabs are very much required here – flying ladies due back imminently I was told by very enthusiastic and pleasant staff. Some pics:–
Apologies for the poor quality of the auditorium shot. It was taken with permission, but without tripod, and it is very dark inside resulting in significant camerashake!
Good to see on the Lighting Plans that the Odeon entrance and name is so prominent, but there seems little consideration for advertising the films.
Will this be Odeons first new build luxe cinema – or will it count as a conversion as, albeit before opening, it will have been adapted rather than planned from the start?
This should not be listed as “demolished” as both facade and auditorium block survive. It is very likely that the interior has been largely destroyed, but as the building is currently unused it is not possible to verify.
GAUMONT FACADE
GAUMONT REAR
2019 Photo
CHESTERFIELD ODEON
Good news!
Screen tabs have been fitted and are in use at the OLS – perhaps they read the comments here? lol
At present they are awaiting a new motor which will operate the curtains at a faster speed, but as can be seen in the pictures below are a blue velvet material. Together with the re-installation of a version of the “flying ladies” the appearance of the auditorium has been made MUCH better. Now they just have to address MartinC’s comments and sort out the schedule and information.
ODEON LUXE LS – “LADIES” AND TABS
ODEON LUXE LS – AUDITORIUM FROM REAR
ODEON LUXE LS – THE “DUCHESS”
ODEON LUXE LS – ROYAL CIRCLE ENTRANCE
Two views of the Close-Up from March 2019
CLOSE-UP CAFE/BAR
CLOSE-UP AUDITORIUM
Two views of the Electric Cinema from March 2019:–
ELECTRIC EXTERIOR
ELECTRIC CAFE-BAR
Some photos from March 2019 following the re-opening:–
EartH EXTERIOR
EartH CONCERT HALL – STALLS
EartH THEATRE – BALCONY
EartH THEATRE – BALCONY
Only part of the upper circle was converted to a large room, the rear portion, with the wall containing portholes from the projection room, steppings, and even the rear row of seats, survives and could in theory be restored to make the Dominion the largest West End Theatre. Whether there is the demand, or whether people would put up with seats at the rear of the balcony (which are a very long way from the stage) is debateable!
DOMINION BALCONY
The car park has now been built upon – apartments known as Majestic house. Thought to have been completed 2017.
Interior photos from January 2019 trading as the Burberry Store, with much of the original architecture on show:–
NEW GALLERY
NEW GALLERY
NEW GALLERY
NEW GALLERY
Photos from 1998 (as a mosque):–
EXTERIOR – FRONT
EXTERIOR – REAR
INTERIOR – SCREEN END
INTERIOR – AUDITORIUM TO REAR
Forgot to add about the souvenir programme which on page 2 states:–
LIGHTS, CURTAIN, ACTION. WELCOME TO THE ODEON LUXE LEICESTER SQUARE
Have the no-curtains policymakers ever talked to the publicity department? Or, just maybe, are they (like the flying ladies) awaiting installation?
I saw “Mary Poppins Returns” here yesterday (fairly quiet at 14:15 showing but schools back now)from a front row seat in the royal box which I highly recommend as the location in the auditorium. Picture quality and sound superb. Refurb still very much on-going – mass exodus of workmen and frantic clearing-up in foyer just before doors opened. Can only echo comments above that tabs are very much required here – flying ladies due back imminently I was told by very enthusiastic and pleasant staff. Some pics:–
EXTERIOR – GLASS BOX
EXTERIOR – NIGHT NEON
CIRCLE FOYER
AUDITORIUM
Apologies for the poor quality of the auditorium shot. It was taken with permission, but without tripod, and it is very dark inside resulting in significant camerashake!
Two further interior shots from 1988 :–
CAMBERWELL ABC
CAMBERWELL ABC
Photos taken in September 2018 here:–
WINDMILL EXTERIOR
WINDMILL STAGE
Two exterior photos from September 2018 here – closed but seemingly in OK condition:–
EMPIRE THEATRE
EMPIRE THEATRE
The Regent, as seen in September 2018, is once again closed. A photo of the exterior here:–
REGENT THEATRE
Further images from 2018 here:–
EXTERIOR
REAR BALCONY
Another view from 2018 :–
VUE BIRKENHEAD
Some more recent images following further restoration to the circle area – taken August 2018:–
EXTERIOR
ORGAN
STAGE FROM STALLS
AUDITORIUM FROM BALCONY
AUDITORIUM FROM STAGE
A proposal to remove the Angel Wings sculpture from the entrance was heavily criticised and withdrawn in 2018.
VUE ENTRANCE
Night time shot from August 2018 here:–
EMPRESS
Night time shot in August 2018 here:–
SCREEN ON THE GREEN
More photos taken in September 2018 here:–
EXTERIOR
CIRCLE FOYER / CAFE
PROSCENIUM DETAIL
AUDITORIUM FROM STAGE
STAGE
Good to see on the Lighting Plans that the Odeon entrance and name is so prominent, but there seems little consideration for advertising the films.
Will this be Odeons first new build luxe cinema – or will it count as a conversion as, albeit before opening, it will have been adapted rather than planned from the start?
Neither of the two artist’s impression images shows any sign of a cinema, presumably it will not have a Leicester Square entrance or presence.
Possibly (tongue very much in cheek), given Odeon’s poor grasp of London geography, it will be known as the Odeon Trafalgar!