ABC Sutton Coldfield
45 Lower Parade,
Sutton Coldfield,
B72 1XX
45 Lower Parade,
Sutton Coldfield,
B72 1XX
2 people
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Associated British Cinemas Ltd.
Architects: Ernest S. Roberts, Roland Satchwell
Firms: Satchwell & Roberts
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: Empress Cinema
Nearby Theaters
The Empress Cinema opened on 1st January 1923 with Constance Talmadge in “East is West”, and was operated as an independent. It was designed by the architectural firm Satchwell & Roberts. The interior decoration consisted of panelled walls and pilasters. In 1935, it was extended and modernised in an Art Deco style, again to the plans of Satchwell & Roberts. The seating capacity was increased to 1,391. This modernisation was due to the opposition the cinema would have from the new Odeon Theatre planned in the town.
From 31st August 1943 it was taken over by the Mayfair Circuit (a subsidiary of Associated British Cinemas(ABC)).
It was re-named the ABC in 1963 and closed on 2nd July 1971 with George C. Scott in “Jane Eyre”. The building was demolished and a shopping precinct and library were built on the site.
Contributed by
KenRoe
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Recent comments (view all 2 comments)
It was odd with the Cinema Although ABC rebranded it ABC The locals still refered to it as The Empress.
The Empress was built on a steep slope (the remains of the old dam which created The Parade),under the ground floor cinema was a ball room complete with dance band platform.I saw this as a small boy in the late 50’s when a door was left open. Anybody any information about this?