Also…I note that great care is taken with exact postcodes for the sites covered, perhaps similar attention could also be given the the inclusion of the addresses for some of them …the 111 High Street address given here for the Grand Hall is also erroneous and was actually the original (before street re-numbering) of the Palais de Luxe cinema further up the High Street. The local street directories, held at Bromley Local History Centre, will be able to provide the correct original address, and the one subsequent to the re-numbering of the High Street.
I worked for Mecca Leisure at the time it was taken over by Rank and this led to some interesting characters appearing on the scene. One bloke who was on the maintenance team who came down to the Lewisham club to sort out the air-conditioning system had also just done a quick check and had a brief look round the Odeon to make sure it was still all secure. There was some expectation the time that Rank/Mecca would close the smaller club and reopen the Odeon for bingo….quite aside from the objections from the council, prior to its takeover Mecca had been a major stumbling block for Rank in its attempts to secure planning permission for bingo at the Odeon, and would spend thousands on legal costs opposing the application every time Rank put one forward. Ultimately, Rank did get permission for the Odeon site, though Lewisham council had already sealed its fate by zoning the site as part of a road ‘improvement’ scheme and obviously Rank did not proceed with the only limited life span the building had left. A great pity and loss, of course, and the first cinema that I was ever taken to (there was also a quite nice Wimpy Bar with some peculiar wall decor next door)
Not quite sure why the name heading here is given as (somewhat confusingly) “Cannon Studios 6 & 7” as they were obviously two separate names. The Leeds-based Star Group had actually taken it over through one of its bingo operating companies in 1967, and (very briefly) operated it as a cinema before the switch to bingo. The opening of a Mecca club nearby (plus two other bingo clubs in the immediate locality) prompted Star to switch back to films, as Studio 6 & 7. It opened the same week that Star also launched two other revamped cinemas. The cinema became a Cannon for only its last few months of operation, though I recall that the flashing neon sign and Studio signage was not changed until early 1986. Confusingly, the throwaway weekly film guides displayed on the cover “Cannon 6 & 7”, though this didn’t appear in advertising which simply included “1” and “2” with the appropriate films advertised alongside. Cannon hinted at “structural defects” as the reason for its previously un-announced closure, though if this was the case declined to pass this information on to any prospective buyers when the place was offered for sale (as I rang up and got the details at the time – for interest only (as I couldn’t afford it!!)) and with the acquisition of the ABC chain (with its twin-screen cinema at Catford) for imminent completion, the company seem to have simply written it of as surplus to requirements. An NCP car park replaced it for a time before the site was redeveloped. One thing of interest that could also have been mentioned is the name “Kings Hall Mews” which obviously commemorates the original name of the cinema.
The Kinematograph Year Book listings, upon which most of the information on this site seems to be based (although unfortunately not in itself an entirely reliable source when used singly) would include information supplied by exhibitors that would often ‘enhance’ or over exaggerate seating capacities. I am not sure if this was the case with this cinema, but it certainly never seated, or even had a combined seating and standing capacity of 600 as stated. The initial capacity of 400 given above would have included permitted standing space.
The statement that “in 1908 it was screening films” would appear to be incorrect, since it was actually closed throughout the whole of that year; the swimming baths referred to were never actually active; it reopened as a live venue (with some cinema use) in April 1909 (and not as the “Grand Hall Cinema”), whilst the Gaumont-British division that it actually became part of was Denman Picture Houses (as the nearby Palais became part of PCT). It was of course, ultimately replaced by the Churchill Theatre.
Sorry to have to correct (yet another) listing on this unfortunately very poorly (if at all) researched site, but it was simply not the case that the Chislehurst Cinema was a ‘conversion’ of a former hall as stated.
The original cinema had been a converted chapel, though its replacement was largely purpose-built. It was in fact, throughout most of its life, part of small circuits of theatres.
Just a point out an error in the mention of it being renamed the Scala in 1914, which is incorrect, as is the mention of it ever operating under the name “Royalty Kinema” which it never did (only ever “New Royalty” or “New Royalty Kinema”). As for the front being “given a modern treatment” in 1937, it still had the original 1910 entrance doors, poster boards and looked much the same in the 1980’s as it had done when it first opened!
The statement that “In around 1916, it was re-named the Recreations Cinema” is incorrect, as that it started off under that name to begin with. It also had at least one other name variation unknown to the contributor and therefore not included here.
The reference to Classic Cinemas taking over in 1967, when it is implied that the bingo with twin cinemas conversion took place, is incorrect. Annoyingly, as with many of the frequent mistakes in the interesting, if consistently inaccurate website, this error has now filtered through into the forthcoming attractions mag that is published by the current operators and available in the foyer of the cinema. This contains potted histories of the four Picturedrome sites in a corporate advert, and repeats the error that it was converted for cine-bingo in 1967 (which it wasn’t). I have a detailed and (properly researched) history of the cinema and would be happy to supply details should anyone require further details about it.
This cinema was never called “Kinema” and did not open in 1912. This site also lists another cinema under a different name, although they were one and the same venue.
Just a couple of historical corrections to the information on this listing, as I think the contributor, or rather the original source from which the information has simply been copied/recycled, has confused the early details of the building with those of the other cinema building in Chelsea that also later became a Classic following the circuits takeover of the Essoldo chain. I can, however, confirm that this cinema did not open in 1910, and its architect was not Felix Joubert referred to. Neither was its original name the “Chelsea Picture Playhouse” as stated (it did however have a couple of additional names not mentioned here).
Again, the usual factual errors in this listing, as unfortunately is a recurring theme with many of the listings on this interesting, if rather inaccurate web-site. Firstly, the reference to the Clock Tower Cinema that had previously occupied the site as having existed between “1921 – 1936” is incorrect as it had closed before 1936; and the statement that the Granada circuit simply programmed it from the early 1930’s and “was purchased by them in 1936” is also incorrect. Frank “Barnes” was not the name of the sculptor who provided the decorations of various musical instruments for the two splay wall grilles. The last films were not shown in 1965 as stated, whilst similarly the bingo club didn’t close in April 1977 as stated. I am sure, however, that the postcode is spot on!! Please (please) try to be more accurate, or perhaps try a bit of research or fact checking, rather than simply copying from other sources before posting these listings, as as has already been the case, these multiple errors filter through into other sources and are of course unhelpful to others interested in, or researching these buildings.
Just a correction, as a balcony was not “added” in 1915, since the building had actually been built with this facility in the first place, although initially it was operated for cinema use with only the ground floor seating in use. Similarly, Theatre did not close in 1918, and the building was originally called the Brixton Hall.
As the Liberty, this was one of the more successful Asian cinema operations, though ultimately killed off by the availability of “Bollywood” films on home video. It closed in 1980, not 1979, however, and had latterly been open at weekends only. The Mile End Liberty, another ex-Odeon, also closed in 1980. Ken Roe also states that it was bomb damaged in October 1940 when it lost the right hand of its frontage….this indeed occurred, but in May 1941, and not October 1940 as stated. The reference to the “G” being put in front of the former name ODEON, to form GODEON, did actually take place, though this was at what became the LIBERTY SOUTHALL, and not Balham as implied.
Unfortunately, many of the listings of this site contain frequent errors, wrong dates and misinformation (not necessarily the fault of the contributors, since the listings have mostly been copied from other sources that were incorrect in the first place) but as a cinema historian myself, I can state that this building was never called the Westmoreland Picture Palace as stated, it didn’t open “around 1912” (nor ever changed ownership) and the last film was not “So This Is London” as stated. Furthermore, it did reopen after the initial period of closure in September 1939, when all cinemas, theatres and other places of entertainment were closed temporarily. I only correct these points, as this site gets referred to by others seeking information on individual cinemas, and has resulted in other web sites, local publications and other sources all now containing erroneous information that has been sourced on this website.
Sorry to have to keep correcting the multiple errors on this site, but this was not the “PleasureLand” cinema at all – that was actually in Brixton Station Road, neither did it (or the one listed here) open in 1915. Also, it was obviously situated in railway arch!
Just a quick note regarding this listing – neither the opening or closing dates are correct, whilst as a minor correction, the facade was simply restyled, rather than demolished when the cinema became the Ritz in 1953.
PS…H.P.Selwyn owned a number of cinemas in and around the Woolwich and Greenwich area, and I believe the sign mentioned would have been displayed at each of the halls that were part of this small circuit.
Just a couple of corrections to this listing – it was NEVER called the Arsenal Cinema as is stated, its name from opening until it was renamed the Century was simply the CINEMA and, although it did get referred to in trade press reports etc as the Arsenal Cinema (and, in fact, that was the name of the original operating company), the term was strictly generic by virtue of the fact it was opposite the entrance to the Woolwich Arsenal…it never operated under that name. Secondly, it NEVER became a bingo hall…this information has presumably been copied from the error that appeared in the GRANADA THEATRES book which states the same. Granada initially used the name “Century Bingo Club” for its bingo operations, regardless of whether the “host” building had actually been a Granada or a Century, and at Woolwich “Century Bingo” sessions were advertised to start AT THE GRANADA Woolwich in August 1961, but were then postponed until December. The Century never ran bingo sessions as stated – it remained empty from closure until demolition in late 1968.
Very interested in the previous comment by Delboy2kent who states that he worked as sound engineer in the Majestic Recording Studio occupying the former balcony/upper parts of the former Majestic Cinema in 1970. I have put together a detailed illustrated history of the Majestic/Gaumont for eventual inclusion in a Lambeth Cinemas book, but am still lacking accurate information on the recording studio/bingo hall conversion with which you can hopefully help. I wonder if you could contact me directly at some stage, on , as I would be very interested in discussing this and your time at the building with you. The bingo club appears to have opened first, in May 1969, whilst the recording studio seems to have followed a year later, in late 1970 according to another internet source and had its entrance from the side street. As regards Chaplin having had some earlier financial interest in the Majestic, there is possibly some truth in this yet to be fully investigated – I was informed by the current nightclub owners that the name Charles Chaplin appears on the title deeds for the property, although I’ve no further confirmation as to this. Would love to hear from you Delboy2kent re your memories of the studio if you could please get in touch.
Also…I note that great care is taken with exact postcodes for the sites covered, perhaps similar attention could also be given the the inclusion of the addresses for some of them …the 111 High Street address given here for the Grand Hall is also erroneous and was actually the original (before street re-numbering) of the Palais de Luxe cinema further up the High Street. The local street directories, held at Bromley Local History Centre, will be able to provide the correct original address, and the one subsequent to the re-numbering of the High Street.
I worked for Mecca Leisure at the time it was taken over by Rank and this led to some interesting characters appearing on the scene. One bloke who was on the maintenance team who came down to the Lewisham club to sort out the air-conditioning system had also just done a quick check and had a brief look round the Odeon to make sure it was still all secure. There was some expectation the time that Rank/Mecca would close the smaller club and reopen the Odeon for bingo….quite aside from the objections from the council, prior to its takeover Mecca had been a major stumbling block for Rank in its attempts to secure planning permission for bingo at the Odeon, and would spend thousands on legal costs opposing the application every time Rank put one forward. Ultimately, Rank did get permission for the Odeon site, though Lewisham council had already sealed its fate by zoning the site as part of a road ‘improvement’ scheme and obviously Rank did not proceed with the only limited life span the building had left. A great pity and loss, of course, and the first cinema that I was ever taken to (there was also a quite nice Wimpy Bar with some peculiar wall decor next door)
Not quite sure why the name heading here is given as (somewhat confusingly) “Cannon Studios 6 & 7” as they were obviously two separate names. The Leeds-based Star Group had actually taken it over through one of its bingo operating companies in 1967, and (very briefly) operated it as a cinema before the switch to bingo. The opening of a Mecca club nearby (plus two other bingo clubs in the immediate locality) prompted Star to switch back to films, as Studio 6 & 7. It opened the same week that Star also launched two other revamped cinemas. The cinema became a Cannon for only its last few months of operation, though I recall that the flashing neon sign and Studio signage was not changed until early 1986. Confusingly, the throwaway weekly film guides displayed on the cover “Cannon 6 & 7”, though this didn’t appear in advertising which simply included “1” and “2” with the appropriate films advertised alongside. Cannon hinted at “structural defects” as the reason for its previously un-announced closure, though if this was the case declined to pass this information on to any prospective buyers when the place was offered for sale (as I rang up and got the details at the time – for interest only (as I couldn’t afford it!!)) and with the acquisition of the ABC chain (with its twin-screen cinema at Catford) for imminent completion, the company seem to have simply written it of as surplus to requirements. An NCP car park replaced it for a time before the site was redeveloped. One thing of interest that could also have been mentioned is the name “Kings Hall Mews” which obviously commemorates the original name of the cinema.
The Kinematograph Year Book listings, upon which most of the information on this site seems to be based (although unfortunately not in itself an entirely reliable source when used singly) would include information supplied by exhibitors that would often ‘enhance’ or over exaggerate seating capacities. I am not sure if this was the case with this cinema, but it certainly never seated, or even had a combined seating and standing capacity of 600 as stated. The initial capacity of 400 given above would have included permitted standing space.
The statement that “in 1908 it was screening films” would appear to be incorrect, since it was actually closed throughout the whole of that year; the swimming baths referred to were never actually active; it reopened as a live venue (with some cinema use) in April 1909 (and not as the “Grand Hall Cinema”), whilst the Gaumont-British division that it actually became part of was Denman Picture Houses (as the nearby Palais became part of PCT). It was of course, ultimately replaced by the Churchill Theatre.
Sorry to have to correct (yet another) listing on this unfortunately very poorly (if at all) researched site, but it was simply not the case that the Chislehurst Cinema was a ‘conversion’ of a former hall as stated.
The original cinema had been a converted chapel, though its replacement was largely purpose-built. It was in fact, throughout most of its life, part of small circuits of theatres.
Just a point out an error in the mention of it being renamed the Scala in 1914, which is incorrect, as is the mention of it ever operating under the name “Royalty Kinema” which it never did (only ever “New Royalty” or “New Royalty Kinema”). As for the front being “given a modern treatment” in 1937, it still had the original 1910 entrance doors, poster boards and looked much the same in the 1980’s as it had done when it first opened!
The statement that “In around 1916, it was re-named the Recreations Cinema” is incorrect, as that it started off under that name to begin with. It also had at least one other name variation unknown to the contributor and therefore not included here.
The reference to Classic Cinemas taking over in 1967, when it is implied that the bingo with twin cinemas conversion took place, is incorrect. Annoyingly, as with many of the frequent mistakes in the interesting, if consistently inaccurate website, this error has now filtered through into the forthcoming attractions mag that is published by the current operators and available in the foyer of the cinema. This contains potted histories of the four Picturedrome sites in a corporate advert, and repeats the error that it was converted for cine-bingo in 1967 (which it wasn’t). I have a detailed and (properly researched) history of the cinema and would be happy to supply details should anyone require further details about it.
This cinema was never called “Kinema” and did not open in 1912. This site also lists another cinema under a different name, although they were one and the same venue.
Just to correct a historical error here, as this cinema was not a shop conversion as stated, nor did it close in 1915.
Just a couple of historical corrections to the information on this listing, as I think the contributor, or rather the original source from which the information has simply been copied/recycled, has confused the early details of the building with those of the other cinema building in Chelsea that also later became a Classic following the circuits takeover of the Essoldo chain. I can, however, confirm that this cinema did not open in 1910, and its architect was not Felix Joubert referred to. Neither was its original name the “Chelsea Picture Playhouse” as stated (it did however have a couple of additional names not mentioned here).
Again, the usual factual errors in this listing, as unfortunately is a recurring theme with many of the listings on this interesting, if rather inaccurate web-site. Firstly, the reference to the Clock Tower Cinema that had previously occupied the site as having existed between “1921 – 1936” is incorrect as it had closed before 1936; and the statement that the Granada circuit simply programmed it from the early 1930’s and “was purchased by them in 1936” is also incorrect. Frank “Barnes” was not the name of the sculptor who provided the decorations of various musical instruments for the two splay wall grilles. The last films were not shown in 1965 as stated, whilst similarly the bingo club didn’t close in April 1977 as stated. I am sure, however, that the postcode is spot on!! Please (please) try to be more accurate, or perhaps try a bit of research or fact checking, rather than simply copying from other sources before posting these listings, as as has already been the case, these multiple errors filter through into other sources and are of course unhelpful to others interested in, or researching these buildings.
Just a correction, as a balcony was not “added” in 1915, since the building had actually been built with this facility in the first place, although initially it was operated for cinema use with only the ground floor seating in use. Similarly, Theatre did not close in 1918, and the building was originally called the Brixton Hall.
Just a very quick correction, or corrections here, as this cinema neither opened in 1911, nor closed during the “latter stages” of World War II.
As the Liberty, this was one of the more successful Asian cinema operations, though ultimately killed off by the availability of “Bollywood” films on home video. It closed in 1980, not 1979, however, and had latterly been open at weekends only. The Mile End Liberty, another ex-Odeon, also closed in 1980. Ken Roe also states that it was bomb damaged in October 1940 when it lost the right hand of its frontage….this indeed occurred, but in May 1941, and not October 1940 as stated. The reference to the “G” being put in front of the former name ODEON, to form GODEON, did actually take place, though this was at what became the LIBERTY SOUTHALL, and not Balham as implied.
Unfortunately, many of the listings of this site contain frequent errors, wrong dates and misinformation (not necessarily the fault of the contributors, since the listings have mostly been copied from other sources that were incorrect in the first place) but as a cinema historian myself, I can state that this building was never called the Westmoreland Picture Palace as stated, it didn’t open “around 1912” (nor ever changed ownership) and the last film was not “So This Is London” as stated. Furthermore, it did reopen after the initial period of closure in September 1939, when all cinemas, theatres and other places of entertainment were closed temporarily. I only correct these points, as this site gets referred to by others seeking information on individual cinemas, and has resulted in other web sites, local publications and other sources all now containing erroneous information that has been sourced on this website.
Sorry to have to keep correcting the multiple errors on this site, but this was not the “PleasureLand” cinema at all – that was actually in Brixton Station Road, neither did it (or the one listed here) open in 1915. Also, it was obviously situated in railway arch!
Just a quick note regarding this listing – neither the opening or closing dates are correct, whilst as a minor correction, the facade was simply restyled, rather than demolished when the cinema became the Ritz in 1953.
PS…H.P.Selwyn owned a number of cinemas in and around the Woolwich and Greenwich area, and I believe the sign mentioned would have been displayed at each of the halls that were part of this small circuit.
Just a couple of corrections to this listing – it was NEVER called the Arsenal Cinema as is stated, its name from opening until it was renamed the Century was simply the CINEMA and, although it did get referred to in trade press reports etc as the Arsenal Cinema (and, in fact, that was the name of the original operating company), the term was strictly generic by virtue of the fact it was opposite the entrance to the Woolwich Arsenal…it never operated under that name. Secondly, it NEVER became a bingo hall…this information has presumably been copied from the error that appeared in the GRANADA THEATRES book which states the same. Granada initially used the name “Century Bingo Club” for its bingo operations, regardless of whether the “host” building had actually been a Granada or a Century, and at Woolwich “Century Bingo” sessions were advertised to start AT THE GRANADA Woolwich in August 1961, but were then postponed until December. The Century never ran bingo sessions as stated – it remained empty from closure until demolition in late 1968.
Very interested in the previous comment by Delboy2kent who states that he worked as sound engineer in the Majestic Recording Studio occupying the former balcony/upper parts of the former Majestic Cinema in 1970. I have put together a detailed illustrated history of the Majestic/Gaumont for eventual inclusion in a Lambeth Cinemas book, but am still lacking accurate information on the recording studio/bingo hall conversion with which you can hopefully help. I wonder if you could contact me directly at some stage, on , as I would be very interested in discussing this and your time at the building with you. The bingo club appears to have opened first, in May 1969, whilst the recording studio seems to have followed a year later, in late 1970 according to another internet source and had its entrance from the side street. As regards Chaplin having had some earlier financial interest in the Majestic, there is possibly some truth in this yet to be fully investigated – I was informed by the current nightclub owners that the name Charles Chaplin appears on the title deeds for the property, although I’ve no further confirmation as to this. Would love to hear from you Delboy2kent re your memories of the studio if you could please get in touch.