The cinema changed hands to Vue when they bought out the Apollo chain in early 2012, the cinema was sold to Reel Cinemas in 2013 by instruction of the Office of fair trading.
“Plaza1985” (Alex) Ran the cinema when it was subdivided.
For fact 1 I have no idea – I’ve come across nothing to support the claim.
As for fact 2 it was divided into four screens with a periscope arrangement for the balcony screen as far as I am aware.
This was removed in 1997 when the front stalls floor became rotten and the balcony was served by the original screen again.
Alex would be able to provide more information to support this however. Will point him to your comment!
A lovely little cinema, still using 35mm prints for some showings, was blown away by seeing Water for Elephants in 35mm, beautiful. I forgot what I was missing as my local cinema is not all digital.
Liking the new look, though it will take some getting used to!
Really enjoying the photo uploads, really enriches the experience on here!
One thing though, can photo uploaders edit their photographs afterwards ? i.e change the description/licence as I’ve made errors in the uploads so far and cant seem to change them!
And it re-opened in 1986 due to the successful re-opening of the Plaza in 1985 just down the road which I imagine then became the reason why the Picturedrome eventually closed.
Last film was screened 20th April 1963 ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ with the cinema going over to bingo following that.
Films throughout 1960s were advertised in Cinemascope so previous comment on that may be incorrect.
Some additional info for the Majestic/Odeon.
Opened 11th January 1938 in an official ceremony with the mayor Sir Geoffrey Byass in attendance.
Films shown on the opening day were “The Show Goes on” and “There Goes My Girl”
The cinema was fitted with a Weston Electric Sound System.
The first Manager of the cinema was a Mr Vivian Aldridge who had previously managed the Gnoll Cinema in Neath for six years.
This cinema was on High Street, High Street had no junction with Forge Road.
The cinema changed hands to Vue when they bought out the Apollo chain in early 2012, the cinema was sold to Reel Cinemas in 2013 by instruction of the Office of fair trading.
“Plaza1985” (Alex) Ran the cinema when it was subdivided.
For fact 1 I have no idea – I’ve come across nothing to support the claim.
As for fact 2 it was divided into four screens with a periscope arrangement for the balcony screen as far as I am aware. This was removed in 1997 when the front stalls floor became rotten and the balcony was served by the original screen again. Alex would be able to provide more information to support this however. Will point him to your comment!
Its absolutely rediculous isnt it! I couldnt believe my eyes when I first saw the original foyer photographs.
A lovely little cinema, still using 35mm prints for some showings, was blown away by seeing Water for Elephants in 35mm, beautiful. I forgot what I was missing as my local cinema is not all digital.
Sorry to be a pain as I’m sure you’re busy, but I still can’t add a new theater, I assumed it was fixed from the above comments!
Liking the new look, though it will take some getting used to! Really enjoying the photo uploads, really enriches the experience on here! One thing though, can photo uploaders edit their photographs afterwards ? i.e change the description/licence as I’ve made errors in the uploads so far and cant seem to change them!
Not to worry! Hope you fix the issue soon, I’m itching to see the new website!
Thanks Alex, that would be great!
Any chance you could get that online Eric?
The seating capacity is currently 967, All six screens have been converted to run solely on Sony 4K digital projectors as of 2010.
And as the “also known as” it was known locally as “The cach”
And it re-opened in 1986 due to the successful re-opening of the Plaza in 1985 just down the road which I imagine then became the reason why the Picturedrome eventually closed.
This should read closed/Demolished, the building was demolished in the 1970’s for the construction of a new town centre.
The cinema building was purchased by the local council (Neath Port Talbot Council) in October 2009. It is however still un-used and neglected.