Coliseum Cinema

18-20 Albion Street,
Cheltenham, GL52 2LP

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Star Cinemas

Architects: Herbert T. Rainger

Styles: Neo-Georgian

Previous Names: Gilsmith's Hippodrome Theatre, Coliseum Theatre, Poole's Coliseum Cinema

Nearby Theaters

The former Coliseum Cinema

Designed by local architect Herbert T. Rainger, Gilsmith’s Hippodrome Theatre opened on 22nd September 1913. There had previously been a Conservative club building on the site, and the new theatre retained the facade. It was re-named Coliseum Theatre in 1919, and after renovations it re-opened as a music hall in 1920. The building has a 30 feet wide proscenium, a 40 feet deep stage and nine dressing rooms.

It was converted into a full time cinema from 13th April 1931 with "Hit the Deck" and "The Runaway Bride". It was re-modeled in 1937.

In 1946, it was taken over by the Pooles chain. It played mainly second-run films, but sometimes major first run films such as "A Lion In Winter", A Man For All Seasons", "Anne of a Thousand Days" and "Paint Your Wagon" played at the Coliseum Cinema.

It was taken over by the Star Cinemas chain in March 1974, and they applied for a bingo licence, but this was initially refused. The Coliseum Cinema was closed on 22nd June 1974 with Oliver Reed in "The Devils" and Fay Dunaway in "Bonnie and Clyde". A bingo licence was granted on appeal, and it became a Star Bingo Club, later operated by EMI. By the 1980’s, it had been converted into a Coral Snooker Club.

In early-2011 the building was closed as a sports bar known as the Springbok Bar. It was demolished in Summer of 2011.

Contributed by Ken Roe

Recent comments (view all 4 comments)

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on April 11, 2011 at 2:05 pm

This webpages has some pictures of the Coliseum Theatre in Cheltenham:
View link-Cheltenham-Febraury-2011).

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on April 11, 2011 at 5:04 pm

Would have loved to have seen “PAINT YOUR WAGON” there,Ken.

Lady_G
Lady_G on June 6, 2011 at 12:00 pm

I began a topic on The Coliseum, on the derelict Places website, I intend to keep the thread updated.Work is finally commencing on the demolition of The Coliseum.

Ladygrey
Ladygrey on September 22, 2014 at 8:06 am

The Coliseum was demolished in 2011.

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