Studio 70

231 Shenley Road,
Borehamwood, WD6 1TE

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Shipman & King Cinemas Ltd.

Architects: George H. Beech, E.B. Parkinson

Styles: Art Deco

Previous Names: Studio Cinema

Nearby Theaters

Studio 70

The Studio Cinema was located across the street from the entrance to the Elstree Film Studios complex. It was opened on 30th March 1936, by an independent operators Charles Barnett/Fletcher Barnett syndicate. Designed by architect E.B. Parkinson, seating was provided for 820 in stalls and circle levels. In September 1937, it was taken over by the Shipman & King Circuit.

In early-1966, it was closed for three months for modernisation, carried out to the plans of architect George H. Beech. Covering over most of the Art Deco style design of the original architect E.B. Parkinson, the exterior was covered in fibreglass cladding, and the auditorium was re-modeled, with the seating capacity reduced to 719. It was re-opened on 2nd April 1966 as the Studio 70 with a pre-release presentation of Sid James in "Carry On Cowboy".

By 1980, the cinema had become part of EMI Group and they sold the cinema for re-development in May 1981. Studio 70 was closed on 6th June 1981 with Gene Wilder in "Stir Crazy" and Jane Fonda in "California Suite".

It was demolished in December 1981, and two office blocks were built on the site, known as Isopad House and Hertsmere House.

Contributed by Ken Roe

Recent comments (view all 3 comments)

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on January 10, 2010 at 10:12 am

A vintage photograph of the Studio 70 in August 1978:
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Ken Roe
Ken Roe on January 11, 2010 at 2:59 pm

An undated photograph, possibly from the 1950’s or early-1960’s, showing the Studio Cinema, prior to its 1966 modernisation:
View link

Buffer
Buffer on March 24, 2014 at 1:46 pm

The Studio was built for the Fletcher-Barnet Syndicate and always called itself the Studio, Elstree.

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