I began my career at this cinema on 8th April 1962. The Manager was Douglas Baker. The projection team was headed by Hugh Price Jones (the Chief), Charles Jones (2nd), Derek Moore (3rd), Ronnie Evans (4th), and 2 probationers- Geoff Williams, and myself, Peter Davies.
The training of the projectionists at this cinema was both intense and thorough in theory and practical application. A room was set aside near the stage end for the projectionists to complete their weekly course work. The projection suite of rooms was well maintained and immaculately presented, which set the standard that I continued with throughout my 47 years in the cinema business.
On Sundays, films carrying an “X” cert, or ones deemed unsuitable for showing on the day of rest, were replaced with one day only films such as “The Incredible Shrinking Man” or “The Blob”, which were usually shown to full houses of 2,016 (the seating capacity increased from the original figure of 1,973.
During 1963, the cinema had a major refurbishment, which took over three months for the redecoration alone. The ornate plaster work was hand painted by specialists in gold, beige, coffee, and green. New seating, drapes and carpets throughout completed this stunning transformation.
In line with many large cinemas of that time, it was decided to pursue live stage shows once or twice a week. A major problem at this cinema was that there was no grid in the stage roof to enable the huge screen frame to be lifted (flown). Therefore, towards the end of 1963 work began to remove the original timber beams in the stage roof, replacing them with steel girders that would enable the complicated counter balance gear to be installed so that the screen could be lifted a distance of 17 foot from the stage, also several lines/barrels could be hung to attach borders, legs, spot bars and lighting battens. The stage shows were a success, and included not only pop groups, but local productions and ballet. Behind the scenes it was difficult as although the stage was wide, it lacked depth. Often it was described as a long corridor. Artists having to cross over outside backstage, as there was not enough room between the final back cloth and the stage wall. The stage shows continued into the 70s.
The Gingham Kitchen that was opened in the entrance hall during the mid 60s was the first premises to use microwave cookers in the UK, and was featured on Pathe News titled “Cooking by Radar”.
The cinema was in general, well maintained during this decade and into the 70s. A poorly designed conversion took place which removed the character of this once triple A grade cinema.
When Associated British Cinemas sold the circuit, I decided to move across to Chester Odeon in 1971 where I took charge as Chief Projectionist in 1977. I have remained with Odeon to the present day having worked at several Odeons around the North West, including the opening of Bromborough & Wrexham (2) multiplex cinemas where I am at present Technical Manager.
I worked at Wrexham Odeon during the early 70s until it’s closure as a cinema as a relief projectionist (being based at nearby Chester Odeon). The Chief projectionist was Mervyn, who operated a well maintained projection suite supported by another projectionist, Jean.
The auditorium, although shared by Top Rank Bingo, still retained some of it’s original features that was typical of the 1930 art deco Odeon design. Mervyn battled to retain as much of the cinema lighting etc as was possible during this difficult time. He along with several members of staff campaigned against the cinema’s allocation of days being removed completely, alais without success, and the cinema gave way to full-time bingo.
Wrexham was then without it’s Odeon until a new site was aquired and Odeon returned to the town in 1997 at Plas Coch, this time offering a choice of 7 screens.
I returned to Wrexham as Chief Technician of this new mulitplex. Wrexham has very discerning film goers and the new Odeon certainly became a big hit with them. Looking forward, with digital projection upon us, the Wrexham audience are in line for even better technical presention than ever before and the future of cinema in this great town seems secure- who would have thought that in the mid 70s!!!
My past history- Starting early 1962 at ABC Regal Chester, there for 8 years. Classic (Tatler), Chester. Odeon Chester from 1971 (promoted to Chief Technician 1977). Moved to Odeon Bromborough multiplex for it’s opening in 1991 as Chief Technician. Opened the technical operation at Wrexham Odeon 1997. Dual site Chief Technician over Chester and Wrexham Odeons 2005-2007.
Peggy Rawson was a brilliant General Manager.
I worked with her there, and without doubt it was the best time I spent during my 52 years in cinemas
I began my career at this cinema on 8th April 1962. The Manager was Douglas Baker. The projection team was headed by Hugh Price Jones (the Chief), Charles Jones (2nd), Derek Moore (3rd), Ronnie Evans (4th), and 2 probationers- Geoff Williams, and myself, Peter Davies.
The training of the projectionists at this cinema was both intense and thorough in theory and practical application. A room was set aside near the stage end for the projectionists to complete their weekly course work. The projection suite of rooms was well maintained and immaculately presented, which set the standard that I continued with throughout my 47 years in the cinema business.
On Sundays, films carrying an “X” cert, or ones deemed unsuitable for showing on the day of rest, were replaced with one day only films such as “The Incredible Shrinking Man” or “The Blob”, which were usually shown to full houses of 2,016 (the seating capacity increased from the original figure of 1,973.
During 1963, the cinema had a major refurbishment, which took over three months for the redecoration alone. The ornate plaster work was hand painted by specialists in gold, beige, coffee, and green. New seating, drapes and carpets throughout completed this stunning transformation.
In line with many large cinemas of that time, it was decided to pursue live stage shows once or twice a week. A major problem at this cinema was that there was no grid in the stage roof to enable the huge screen frame to be lifted (flown). Therefore, towards the end of 1963 work began to remove the original timber beams in the stage roof, replacing them with steel girders that would enable the complicated counter balance gear to be installed so that the screen could be lifted a distance of 17 foot from the stage, also several lines/barrels could be hung to attach borders, legs, spot bars and lighting battens. The stage shows were a success, and included not only pop groups, but local productions and ballet. Behind the scenes it was difficult as although the stage was wide, it lacked depth. Often it was described as a long corridor. Artists having to cross over outside backstage, as there was not enough room between the final back cloth and the stage wall. The stage shows continued into the 70s.
The Gingham Kitchen that was opened in the entrance hall during the mid 60s was the first premises to use microwave cookers in the UK, and was featured on Pathe News titled “Cooking by Radar”.
The cinema was in general, well maintained during this decade and into the 70s. A poorly designed conversion took place which removed the character of this once triple A grade cinema.
When Associated British Cinemas sold the circuit, I decided to move across to Chester Odeon in 1971 where I took charge as Chief Projectionist in 1977. I have remained with Odeon to the present day having worked at several Odeons around the North West, including the opening of Bromborough & Wrexham (2) multiplex cinemas where I am at present Technical Manager.
I worked at Wrexham Odeon during the early 70s until it’s closure as a cinema as a relief projectionist (being based at nearby Chester Odeon). The Chief projectionist was Mervyn, who operated a well maintained projection suite supported by another projectionist, Jean.
The auditorium, although shared by Top Rank Bingo, still retained some of it’s original features that was typical of the 1930 art deco Odeon design. Mervyn battled to retain as much of the cinema lighting etc as was possible during this difficult time. He along with several members of staff campaigned against the cinema’s allocation of days being removed completely, alais without success, and the cinema gave way to full-time bingo.
Wrexham was then without it’s Odeon until a new site was aquired and Odeon returned to the town in 1997 at Plas Coch, this time offering a choice of 7 screens.
I returned to Wrexham as Chief Technician of this new mulitplex. Wrexham has very discerning film goers and the new Odeon certainly became a big hit with them. Looking forward, with digital projection upon us, the Wrexham audience are in line for even better technical presention than ever before and the future of cinema in this great town seems secure- who would have thought that in the mid 70s!!!
My past history- Starting early 1962 at ABC Regal Chester, there for 8 years. Classic (Tatler), Chester. Odeon Chester from 1971 (promoted to Chief Technician 1977). Moved to Odeon Bromborough multiplex for it’s opening in 1991 as Chief Technician. Opened the technical operation at Wrexham Odeon 1997. Dual site Chief Technician over Chester and Wrexham Odeons 2005-2007.
Peter Davies. contact-