ABC Sidcup
77a Sidcup High Street,
Sidcup,
DA14 6DW
77a Sidcup High Street,
Sidcup,
DA14 6DW
1 person
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I have a soft spot for this cinema as it was my first managerial post in 1985. The building had tremendous character with parts of its long architectural past still intact, from the 1900s, 30s and recent 70s conversion to a twin. The old stage, fly tower and dressing rooms lay unused behind the huge curved tabs which hid the old house tabs and hand winch, which no one took the risk to turn!
to Odeon Esque The organ was a temporary one ABC had for such openings
davidcoppock: The main façade was not retained. Ground floor is now retail with 2 floors of apartments above that have windows facing onto the High Street.
To be fair, particularly upon closure, the main façade wasn’t much to look at. However, its replacement is remarkable for its complete absence of elegance.
Having a quick look at the rest, it seems the auditorium block was demolished, but the building that was between the vestibule and the auditorium seems to have been repurposed, albeit with extensive alterations.
Parts of its original frontage can be seen from the High Street, behind the single storey building that is to the left of where the cinema’s main entrance was.
Was the facade retained?
Ken sorry to disagree with your comments, but the cinema didn’t close on September 17th 1977 for refurbishment as I went to see The Spy Who Loved Me on that date. I’m only correcting you as your facts are always correct. Keep up the good work
The original architect was FTW Goldsmith. I have a laminated ticket giving a discount in the nearby McDonalds
Nice pics Ken, what became of the organ, any idea?
Have loaded Stage view..
Correction. Odeon Theatres Did not take over ABC… ABC took over Odeon… ABC renamed the theatres Odeon as it was the brand leader name..
Thanks KenRoe.
A set of vintage photographs of the Regal/ABC:
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