Regent Cinema Portsmouth

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Uploaded on: March 28, 2026

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Photograph above is a view of stage area after the installation of the Christie organ during December 1929. The deep blue velvet curtains have been appliqué with yellow silk to show a sun rising below white silk clouds on the above pelmet. Below the stage level and fully illuminated are gilt grille panels enclosing the orchestra area these were supported by eight marble piers each pier surmounted by a glass flame shade. Central position was taken by the newly installed Christie organ console which entertained the 2,500 capacity cinema for the next forty five years. By 1928 the full Regent Orchestra was regarded as being the finest along the South Coast. It was under the direction of Sidney Shinebourne, formerly of the Queen’s Orchestra, London and an accomplished violinist. Many patrons attended two nights running, just to listen to the thirty minutes allocated to the orchestra for their solo spot.

Ron Knee