As can be seen in the photo of the cinema following the devastating earthquake, up until that time it had been known as the Gaiety Electric Theatre. So presumably it was after it had been rebuilt that it was renamed the Gaiety de Luxe.
In April 2019 it looked as thought the Capitol would be closing. However, the following month long-time film industry staffers Kelly Rogers and David Ross took on a long-term lease, ensuring its future. It is now well-known for its imaginative programming and has become a regular film festival venue. Seating capacity is now 130.
The Event Cinemas Broadway closed in June 2020. One of the final films was “Bill and Ted Face the Music”, starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. At first the closure was said to be only temporary - this was during the Covid pandemic - but it never re-opened. The building is now used by Equippers Church.
Once the Lidl supermarket had been built, ‘TOWERS’ signage was put on display at street level. Unfortunately, there is no (obvious) information board, so people who are unaware of the cinema that once stood on this site can, presumably, be rather mystified to see it. It is also unclear whether this is the original signage (which remained in situ, behind the re-branded ODEON lettering) or a recreation. Still, for those ‘in the know’, it is a nice reminder of the site’s former heritage. See photos uploaded.
When I visited the Rialto, with my friend Gene Sorkin, the very amicable manager gave us a guided tour, explaining how this now seven screen cinema had developed over the years. I gather that the original Rialto opened in 1925, but suffered a serious fire in the 1960s. The building then became a factory, before being reincarnated as a three screen art-house cinema in 1994-95. Since then, it has gone to being a five screen complex to the present seven screens. The manager showed how this had been achieved, and pointed out a previous entrance to the screens, off the foyer, which is now the customer toilets!
Current seating capacities are: Screen 1:60, Screen 2:60, Screen 3:192, Screen 4:107, Screen 5:75, Screen 6:65 and Screen 7:75. A total of 634 seats.
Ray Dolling has provided ‘then’ and ‘now’ photographs showing the Invicta’s position near the beginning of the High Street, and the offices of DSD Law, at 5 High Street, which now occupy the site. As Ray remarks, Mill Road (not Mill Street) is a short distance away.
During a visit to Rotorua I met owner Simon Reilly, who said that the building was originally opened as a shopping mall. The climbing wall had opened in 1999, with the cinema following in 2000. The upper floors are home to Rock Solid Backpackers accommodation. As the Overview says, Simon acquired the business in 2009.
According to a member of staff, the Reading Cinemas opened in 2000. The building had previously been used as a hostel. Seating capacities are: Screen 1:116, Screen 2:138, Screen 3:118, Screen 4:102 and Screen 5:115. A total of 589 seats.
Nowadays, the Berkeley occupies the first floor of the original cinema building. There are restaurants across the original frontage at street level, and the cinema’s rather under-stated entrance is at the left hand corner. A wide staircase takes patrons up to the very large, and equally comfortable, foyer/lounge. From there, the four screens are accessed via a long central corridor (see the layout on the photograph of the ‘Emergency Procedures’ notice).
According to a member of staff, this modernisation took place around the late 1960s/early 1970s. The Berkeley presumably went from a single screen (stalls and circle) to today’s four auditoriums. The “13 screens” in the header is incorrect.
The way the four auditoriums have been laid out results in them being a similar size. Seating capacities are: Cinema 1:80, Cinema 2:79, Cinema 3:75 and Cinema 4:75; a total of 309.
When I visited Sacramento in June 2024 the building was disused. The Esquire Grill had closed in June 2019, in part due to major renovation work at the nearby convention centre, which made access to the Grill rather difficult.
A granite plaque in the foyer (see photograph) translates as “Cornerstone”. Presumably the date shown, 21st January 2003, is when the Xinedome opened (as opposed to, for example, when work started on the foundations). This ties in with the huge amount of construction work going on in this area at the time.
I was given a very warm welcome when I visited on Thursday 19 October 2023 to see “The Miracle Club”. As intimated in the Overview, the transformation is stunning: there is even a ‘red carpet’ to welcome patrons! The staff were especially enthusiastic; with Halloween approaching the foyer had been suitably decorated, and the staff were suitably attired! This is a real credit to Gerald Parkes' legacy.
I went along to The Old Regent Ballroom on Friday 8th September 2023 to see “It’s Showtime!”, a ‘music and songs from the shows’ presentation by local amateur group True Productions. I was fortunate to meet up with co-owner Frank Cull, who kindly showed me around. He and his business partner Shaun Young have done a terrific job revitalising the building as a sumptuous ballroom and cabaret venue. And the show was pretty good as well!
I assisted Ken with the updated Overview and, yes, I believe the original Cinema, then the Glenboi and the Capitol cinemas, were all housed in the Workmen’s Hall.
I visited the Gateway on Thursday 20th April 2023 to see the National Theatre Live screening of C. P. Taylor’s play “Good”, starring David Tennant and Elliot Levey. While films are still not being presented every evening, they are rather more frequent than was mentioned in the Overview. Projection is from Blu-ray, with occasional live broadcasts. I was delighted to meet Kim, the very enthusiastic manager, and equally pleased to note a very good attendance. This is an extremely spacious, yet very comfortable, ‘boutique’ cinema, the brainchild of the lady who owns the Labels Shopping Centre.
This is a very impressive, luxurious multiplex. I visited on Wednesday 19th April 2023 to see “Renfield”, starring Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult, and I was especially impressed by the side masking, which opened up for the ‘scope film. The very enthusiastic staff made me particularly welcome, and I hope this leads to further new builds by Scott Cinemas.
I was given a very warm welcome when I visited the Avenue on Tuesday 18th April 2023 to see “John Wick: Chapter 4”, starring Keanu Reeves. The cinema has been fitted out to a very high standard, and is a splendid addition to the town’s entertainment attractions.
With the Pomegranate Theatre (see separate Cinema Treasures entry) closed for a multi-million pound refurbishment, its film shows have been transferred to the Winding Wheel. So it was that, on Tuesday 28th March 2023, I was able to enjoy the ‘big screen’ experience, with comedy/mystery “See How They Run”, starring Sam Rockwell and Adrien Brody, in this former Picture House/Odeon.
I visited the Cinema in the Power Station on Friday 17th February 2023 to see the Marvel Comics' adaptation “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”. In a nice touch, alongside the trailers and adverts, there was a short history of the power station, which included clips from some of the many films that have used the site as a location over the years.
Happily, films are still being shown at what is now St. Margaret’s Hall. Indeed, Bradford on Avon Film Society, founded in 1989, has been showing films here since then. Initially, a 16mm projector was situated at the rear of the hall, but later on a 35mm projector was installed in the original projection box. In 2013 a major refurbishment programme was undertaken by the town council, including the installation of retractable seating, which enables the hall to host a full range of events. Since then, the society has used a digital projector.
Film Society seasons run from October to March, with 15 films being shown on Fridays. I visited on 20th January 2023, when the main feature was “The Lost King”, starring Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan. In a nice ‘heritage’ touch, it was supported by “The Coming of the Dial”, a GPO short from 1933 about the automation of telephone exchanges. A near capacity audience was testament to the popularity of these shows.
As can be seen in the photo of the cinema following the devastating earthquake, up until that time it had been known as the Gaiety Electric Theatre. So presumably it was after it had been rebuilt that it was renamed the Gaiety de Luxe.
In April 2019 it looked as thought the Capitol would be closing. However, the following month long-time film industry staffers Kelly Rogers and David Ross took on a long-term lease, ensuring its future. It is now well-known for its imaginative programming and has become a regular film festival venue. Seating capacity is now 130.
The Event Cinemas Broadway closed in June 2020. One of the final films was “Bill and Ted Face the Music”, starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. At first the closure was said to be only temporary - this was during the Covid pandemic - but it never re-opened. The building is now used by Equippers Church.
Once the Lidl supermarket had been built, ‘TOWERS’ signage was put on display at street level. Unfortunately, there is no (obvious) information board, so people who are unaware of the cinema that once stood on this site can, presumably, be rather mystified to see it. It is also unclear whether this is the original signage (which remained in situ, behind the re-branded ODEON lettering) or a recreation. Still, for those ‘in the know’, it is a nice reminder of the site’s former heritage. See photos uploaded.
When I visited the Rialto, with my friend Gene Sorkin, the very amicable manager gave us a guided tour, explaining how this now seven screen cinema had developed over the years. I gather that the original Rialto opened in 1925, but suffered a serious fire in the 1960s. The building then became a factory, before being reincarnated as a three screen art-house cinema in 1994-95. Since then, it has gone to being a five screen complex to the present seven screens. The manager showed how this had been achieved, and pointed out a previous entrance to the screens, off the foyer, which is now the customer toilets!
Current seating capacities are: Screen 1:60, Screen 2:60, Screen 3:192, Screen 4:107, Screen 5:75, Screen 6:65 and Screen 7:75. A total of 634 seats.
Ray Dolling has provided ‘then’ and ‘now’ photographs showing the Invicta’s position near the beginning of the High Street, and the offices of DSD Law, at 5 High Street, which now occupy the site. As Ray remarks, Mill Road (not Mill Street) is a short distance away.
The seating capacity is 330. This includes 30 seats in the gallery that are not, usually, used.
During a visit to Rotorua I met owner Simon Reilly, who said that the building was originally opened as a shopping mall. The climbing wall had opened in 1999, with the cinema following in 2000. The upper floors are home to Rock Solid Backpackers accommodation. As the Overview says, Simon acquired the business in 2009.
According to a member of staff, the Reading Cinemas opened in 2000. The building had previously been used as a hostel. Seating capacities are: Screen 1:116, Screen 2:138, Screen 3:118, Screen 4:102 and Screen 5:115. A total of 589 seats.
Screen 2.
Seating capacities are: Screen 1:31, Screen 2:32, Screen 3:103, Screen 4:156, Screen 5:73, Screen 6:32 and Screen 7:77. A total of 504.
Seating capacities are: Screen 1:211 and Screen 2:16.
Nowadays, the Berkeley occupies the first floor of the original cinema building. There are restaurants across the original frontage at street level, and the cinema’s rather under-stated entrance is at the left hand corner. A wide staircase takes patrons up to the very large, and equally comfortable, foyer/lounge. From there, the four screens are accessed via a long central corridor (see the layout on the photograph of the ‘Emergency Procedures’ notice).
According to a member of staff, this modernisation took place around the late 1960s/early 1970s. The Berkeley presumably went from a single screen (stalls and circle) to today’s four auditoriums. The “13 screens” in the header is incorrect.
The way the four auditoriums have been laid out results in them being a similar size. Seating capacities are: Cinema 1:80, Cinema 2:79, Cinema 3:75 and Cinema 4:75; a total of 309.
When I visited Sacramento in June 2024 the building was disused. The Esquire Grill had closed in June 2019, in part due to major renovation work at the nearby convention centre, which made access to the Grill rather difficult.
When I visited Sacramento in June 2024 the former State was being converted into Section 8 [social] housing.
A granite plaque in the foyer (see photograph) translates as “Cornerstone”. Presumably the date shown, 21st January 2003, is when the Xinedome opened (as opposed to, for example, when work started on the foundations). This ties in with the huge amount of construction work going on in this area at the time.
I was given a very warm welcome when I visited on Thursday 19 October 2023 to see “The Miracle Club”. As intimated in the Overview, the transformation is stunning: there is even a ‘red carpet’ to welcome patrons! The staff were especially enthusiastic; with Halloween approaching the foyer had been suitably decorated, and the staff were suitably attired! This is a real credit to Gerald Parkes' legacy.
I went along to The Old Regent Ballroom on Friday 8th September 2023 to see “It’s Showtime!”, a ‘music and songs from the shows’ presentation by local amateur group True Productions. I was fortunate to meet up with co-owner Frank Cull, who kindly showed me around. He and his business partner Shaun Young have done a terrific job revitalising the building as a sumptuous ballroom and cabaret venue. And the show was pretty good as well!
I assisted Ken with the updated Overview and, yes, I believe the original Cinema, then the Glenboi and the Capitol cinemas, were all housed in the Workmen’s Hall.
I visited the Gateway on Thursday 20th April 2023 to see the National Theatre Live screening of C. P. Taylor’s play “Good”, starring David Tennant and Elliot Levey. While films are still not being presented every evening, they are rather more frequent than was mentioned in the Overview. Projection is from Blu-ray, with occasional live broadcasts. I was delighted to meet Kim, the very enthusiastic manager, and equally pleased to note a very good attendance. This is an extremely spacious, yet very comfortable, ‘boutique’ cinema, the brainchild of the lady who owns the Labels Shopping Centre.
This is a very impressive, luxurious multiplex. I visited on Wednesday 19th April 2023 to see “Renfield”, starring Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult, and I was especially impressed by the side masking, which opened up for the ‘scope film. The very enthusiastic staff made me particularly welcome, and I hope this leads to further new builds by Scott Cinemas.
I was given a very warm welcome when I visited the Avenue on Tuesday 18th April 2023 to see “John Wick: Chapter 4”, starring Keanu Reeves. The cinema has been fitted out to a very high standard, and is a splendid addition to the town’s entertainment attractions.
With the Pomegranate Theatre (see separate Cinema Treasures entry) closed for a multi-million pound refurbishment, its film shows have been transferred to the Winding Wheel. So it was that, on Tuesday 28th March 2023, I was able to enjoy the ‘big screen’ experience, with comedy/mystery “See How They Run”, starring Sam Rockwell and Adrien Brody, in this former Picture House/Odeon.
I visited the Cinema in the Power Station on Friday 17th February 2023 to see the Marvel Comics' adaptation “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”. In a nice touch, alongside the trailers and adverts, there was a short history of the power station, which included clips from some of the many films that have used the site as a location over the years.
Happily, films are still being shown at what is now St. Margaret’s Hall. Indeed, Bradford on Avon Film Society, founded in 1989, has been showing films here since then. Initially, a 16mm projector was situated at the rear of the hall, but later on a 35mm projector was installed in the original projection box. In 2013 a major refurbishment programme was undertaken by the town council, including the installation of retractable seating, which enables the hall to host a full range of events. Since then, the society has used a digital projector.
Film Society seasons run from October to March, with 15 films being shown on Fridays. I visited on 20th January 2023, when the main feature was “The Lost King”, starring Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan. In a nice ‘heritage’ touch, it was supported by “The Coming of the Dial”, a GPO short from 1933 about the automation of telephone exchanges. A near capacity audience was testament to the popularity of these shows.