Dreamland Cinema
Marine Terrace,
Margate,
CT9 1LX
Marine Terrace,
Margate,
CT9 1LX
5 people
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Re: Empire of Light. From American Cinematographer - photos during production and descriptions of filming in and around the theatre on how Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins wanted to get the look they achieved.
“Empire of Light” has just started streaming in the USA and possibly elsewhere on HBO Max. One of very few films in which a cinema is one of the main characters. Hard to believe that most of the interiors are just sets constructed for the production within the moldering remains of Dreamland.
“Empire of Light” has just opened in the UK and features some stunning photography of the interior, foyer and exterior. Also the projection box, but this may be a studio set. Looks genuine, though. Sadly the plot is pretty banal but if you can take your mind off it the visuals are very rewarding.
Grand opening ads from 1935 and 1973 posted.
Lottery grant project – 2017 restoration update
The original lighting scheme has been suitably reinstated with both traditional glass neon tube and LED neon tube with LED uplighters all in original yellow and blue.
Sans serif reproduction letters have been reinstated on the fin replacing the 2012 restored 1970s replacement fittings. The brick bullnose has also finally been reinstated to the fin.
Also close to the original standard, both DREAMLAND and (1949 addition) DANCING letters of traditional glass neon tube upon metal cast sans serif letters have also been reinstated on west and east fascias of the fin at the top.
Reproduction metal letters closely replicating the original installations have been reinstated across the marquee fascia.
The original AMUSEMENT PARK and arrow fittings have not been reinstated on the west elevation above Hall by the Sea road as this was seen as an unnecessary advertisement that did not complement the original lighting scheme or building.
The travertine and glazed faience fascias have been completely uncovered from later dilapidated hoardings and repaired or reinstated or replaced.
The north elevation windows of the former Sunshine Cafe have been completely repaired and refitted to original standard but with double glazed panes. The west elevation that had been removed and very inappropriately bricked up has been reinstated with reproduction fittings to original standard and again fitted with double glazed panes.
Various other window fittings across the building as a whole have been reinstated or replaced with reproductions of the original standard.
The original bronze decorative doors have been reproduced and reinstated in both the foyer entrance and entrance to the former Sunshine Cafe. Reproductions of the original Public and Saloon bar entrances between their window displays are due to be installed at a later date. A commissioned Dreamland archive art piece has been installed in this elevation with a temporary glass exhibition facade fitted for this purpose.
A traditional cage gate in yellow is due to be fitted across the foyer entrance for security purposes. It has been given listed building consent for a period of 3 years unless an extension period is approved. This suggests that an operator for the former theatre/cinema auditorium is surely less viable into the short term future.
The foyer and booking concourse was due to be restored to original standard as part of the project funding, but appears to have been stalled.
Restoration of the former Sunshine Cafe space also remains in question, although all original access points have now been uncovered and restored throughout the building as a whole. This now includes the demolished connections to the pre-existing former ballroom building at the south of the site.
Removal of later Bingo hall operation fittings to the auditorium are due to begin shortly, uncovering the original proscenium and general original standard.
Unfortunately it is unlikely that the extended balcony and blockwork that was installed to split the cinema into multiscreen operation will ever be removed. This will prevent the original auditorium standard as a whole to be reinstated, with the damaged figurines on both sides to remain lost. The original safety curtain is also due to be be removed and disposed of due to regulations of asbestos control.
The Dreamland Amusement Park re-opened in 2015. The Scenic Railway (roller coaster) is Listed Grade II and there may be another couple of rides listed. The Dreamland Cinema building is Grade II* Listed and the animal cages at the rear are Grade II Listed.
Is the Dreamland Amusement Park still there(and operating), and is it Grade 11 listed as well?
3New photos added 1. Original foyer 2. Sunshine Cafe 3. Dreamland cinema from the station end of the prom
The Foyer is about to be restored to its former glory along with the Sunshine cafe above. Restorers are looking to find traces of the original Walpole mural in the cafe.
Interior shows the organ (now silent, 2014) being played in May, 1998.
Reeltime Cinemas subsequently went into administration. However, cinema fans will be pleased to know that two of the cinemas in this part of south-east England, which were managed by that company have survived. They are;
Sadly the New Century Cinema at Sittingbourne closed along with the Dreamland.
Yet another traditional cinema which has lost out to the onslaught of the multiplex – I wonder who will be next?
Fear not as far as our memories are concerned. The Royal Institute of British Architects has a superb collection of past photos.
Just go to www.ribapix.com
Very simply type in “Dreamland” in the ‘quicksearch’ box on the left.
How very, very sad. The black and white photo in the BBC report shows it as stunning place when it first opened.
Sad, awful, the end of an era, what more can we say!
How dare they close our Cinema, heartbreaking for me and the rest of the staff. We had to compose ourselves on our final night and try and look happy for our final audience who had come to share an event so special that we will all never forget. It was a truly fantastic place to work, our hearts are still there!
And a closer shot of the facade from 1989:–
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Sorry about the link above not working. Here is a dramatic shot of Marine Terrace, with the huge fin tower of the Dreamland Cinema standing out in the background:
View link
Some information about the Compton-Noterman organ and a couple of small photographs here:
http://www.geocities.com/roybattleuk/dreamland/htm