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.

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