Plaza Cinema Worthing

Photo Info

Uploaded on: June 7, 2026

Size: 515.4 KB

Views: 10

License:

Above is the most elaborate illuminated console ever made for a Compton organ which was installed at the Plaza cinema Worthing and on the opening night Thursday December 14th 1933 at 8 p.m. majestically rising on its central lift to gasps from the audience of 2,500 who had arrived for the Plaza Grand Opening, it put the opening and film ‘The Song You Gave Me’ starring Bebe Daniels into a supporting role to the Compton organ as both the audience and press commented on leaving that evening. Compton Chairman J. J. Broad had taken out a patent in 1932 for their illuminated consoles and engaged the firm of experts in cinema light fittings F. H. Pride & Co. Ltd., of Clapham, London to manufacture various console designs for all their Compton organs. Chief designer and technical head of Prides was 22 year old Charles Theobalds. He had already designed a great many of the finest cinema light fittings and equipment for the leading circuits and 1933 saw orders flooding into the Clapham company for special designs. Special glass of top quality made by Chance Brothers and supplied in panel form to Prides, it was then cut into various forms and sandblasted then engraved with the required design all at their Clapham works. Organist Tommy Dando is seen above for the opening sitting engulfed by glass and colour, the whole organ was fixed onto a black stepped plinth which had central steps to gain entry to the organist seat. Later named the Countess by organist Florence De Jong who was always involved in the selection of mostly Compton organs for her Husband Lou Morris who built the Plaza which became part of his cinema chain.