An old framed cinema display board was sold not too long ago on ebay. Originally from the Plaza in Margate, it was sold displaying archive photos/items of the Oxford in Whitstable and very mysteriously and rare photos/booklet of the Troc in Tankerton including internal photos which were listed as reproductions of the original materials. Where are these?!
Also known as the Electric Picture Palace, sharing the space of the Marina Theatre. Uncertain whether it was before or after it was named Excelsior Picturedrome.
To add to the original Marina Theatre facts: the building was officially opened as the Granville Marina Music Hall by Earl Sydney on 5th July 1877. The hall had a superficial area of 4,557 square feet and was capable of seating over 1,000 people. More information on the whole Marina development can be read here: http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/catalogue/id138.htm
The original lighting scheme has been suitably reinstated with both traditional glass neon tube and LED neon tube with LED uplighters all in original yellow and blue.
Sans serif reproduction letters have been reinstated on the fin replacing the 2012 restored 1970s replacement fittings. The brick bullnose has also finally been reinstated to the fin.
Also close to the original standard, both DREAMLAND and (1949 addition) DANCING letters of traditional glass neon tube upon metal cast sans serif letters have also been reinstated on west and east fascias of the fin at the top.
Reproduction metal letters closely replicating the original installations have been reinstated across the marquee fascia.
The original AMUSEMENT PARK and arrow fittings have not been reinstated on the west elevation above Hall by the Sea road as this was seen as an unnecessary advertisement that did not complement the original lighting scheme or building.
The travertine and glazed faience fascias have been completely uncovered from later dilapidated hoardings and repaired or reinstated or replaced.
The north elevation windows of the former Sunshine Cafe have been completely repaired and refitted to original standard but with double glazed panes. The west elevation that had been removed and very inappropriately bricked up has been reinstated with reproduction fittings to original standard and again fitted with double glazed panes.
Various other window fittings across the building as a whole have been reinstated or replaced with reproductions of the original standard.
The original bronze decorative doors have been reproduced and reinstated in both the foyer entrance and entrance to the former Sunshine Cafe. Reproductions of the original Public and Saloon bar entrances between their window displays are due to be installed at a later date. A commissioned Dreamland archive art piece has been installed in this elevation with a temporary glass exhibition facade fitted for this purpose.
A traditional cage gate in yellow is due to be fitted across the foyer entrance for security purposes. It has been given listed building consent for a period of 3 years unless an extension period is approved. This suggests that an operator for the former theatre/cinema auditorium is surely less viable into the short term future.
The foyer and booking concourse was due to be restored to original standard as part of the project funding, but appears to have been stalled.
Restoration of the former Sunshine Cafe space also remains in question, although all original access points have now been uncovered and restored throughout the building as a whole. This now includes the demolished connections to the pre-existing former ballroom building at the south of the site.
Removal of later Bingo hall operation fittings to the auditorium are due to begin shortly, uncovering the original proscenium and general original standard.
Unfortunately it is unlikely that the extended balcony and blockwork that was installed to split the cinema into multiscreen operation will ever be removed. This will prevent the original auditorium standard as a whole to be reinstated, with the damaged figurines on both sides to remain lost. The original safety curtain is also due to be be removed and disposed of due to regulations of asbestos control.
An old framed cinema display board was sold not too long ago on ebay. Originally from the Plaza in Margate, it was sold displaying archive photos/items of the Oxford in Whitstable and very mysteriously and rare photos/booklet of the Troc in Tankerton including internal photos which were listed as reproductions of the original materials. Where are these?!
Also known as the Electric Picture Palace, sharing the space of the Marina Theatre. Uncertain whether it was before or after it was named Excelsior Picturedrome.
To add to the original Marina Theatre facts: the building was officially opened as the Granville Marina Music Hall by Earl Sydney on 5th July 1877. The hall had a superficial area of 4,557 square feet and was capable of seating over 1,000 people. More information on the whole Marina development can be read here: http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/catalogue/id138.htm
Also known as Picture Theatre in 1914
I forgot to add that the hall was also known as the Supreme Ballroom in the 1960’s hosting many famous names!
Suffered a major fire in 1980s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW0E8p9RFPE
Briggys restored the frontage and upper storey windows in 2000s but the old domed glass entrance forecourt remains covered up.
Video showing rare photos of the entrance, foyer and auditorium as The Red Lantern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijEbdT6l0g4
Lottery grant project – 2017 restoration update
The original lighting scheme has been suitably reinstated with both traditional glass neon tube and LED neon tube with LED uplighters all in original yellow and blue.
Sans serif reproduction letters have been reinstated on the fin replacing the 2012 restored 1970s replacement fittings. The brick bullnose has also finally been reinstated to the fin.
Also close to the original standard, both DREAMLAND and (1949 addition) DANCING letters of traditional glass neon tube upon metal cast sans serif letters have also been reinstated on west and east fascias of the fin at the top.
Reproduction metal letters closely replicating the original installations have been reinstated across the marquee fascia.
The original AMUSEMENT PARK and arrow fittings have not been reinstated on the west elevation above Hall by the Sea road as this was seen as an unnecessary advertisement that did not complement the original lighting scheme or building.
The travertine and glazed faience fascias have been completely uncovered from later dilapidated hoardings and repaired or reinstated or replaced.
The north elevation windows of the former Sunshine Cafe have been completely repaired and refitted to original standard but with double glazed panes. The west elevation that had been removed and very inappropriately bricked up has been reinstated with reproduction fittings to original standard and again fitted with double glazed panes.
Various other window fittings across the building as a whole have been reinstated or replaced with reproductions of the original standard.
The original bronze decorative doors have been reproduced and reinstated in both the foyer entrance and entrance to the former Sunshine Cafe. Reproductions of the original Public and Saloon bar entrances between their window displays are due to be installed at a later date. A commissioned Dreamland archive art piece has been installed in this elevation with a temporary glass exhibition facade fitted for this purpose.
A traditional cage gate in yellow is due to be fitted across the foyer entrance for security purposes. It has been given listed building consent for a period of 3 years unless an extension period is approved. This suggests that an operator for the former theatre/cinema auditorium is surely less viable into the short term future.
The foyer and booking concourse was due to be restored to original standard as part of the project funding, but appears to have been stalled.
Restoration of the former Sunshine Cafe space also remains in question, although all original access points have now been uncovered and restored throughout the building as a whole. This now includes the demolished connections to the pre-existing former ballroom building at the south of the site.
Removal of later Bingo hall operation fittings to the auditorium are due to begin shortly, uncovering the original proscenium and general original standard.
Unfortunately it is unlikely that the extended balcony and blockwork that was installed to split the cinema into multiscreen operation will ever be removed. This will prevent the original auditorium standard as a whole to be reinstated, with the damaged figurines on both sides to remain lost. The original safety curtain is also due to be be removed and disposed of due to regulations of asbestos control.