Savoy Super Cinema

1 Grace Hill,
Folkestone, CT20 1HA

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ritzman
ritzman on May 16, 2017 at 10:52 am
  • Shepway District council is the local authority. Swale Borough council is Sittingbourne.

The auditorium contains a large illuminated circular dome in the ceiling fitted with coloured glass panels. The balcony ‘stepping’ is unusual in that it is constructed of moveable/removable interlocking cement blocks rather than cast in situ concrete stepping.

Jerry Morgan, who bought the Savoy from Star cinemas when it was on bingo, also ran De Luxe bingo situated at the bottom of Grace Hill (former Co-op store now demolished) and also ran bingo in a former Dover cinema (Essoldo). Both the Dover & Folkestone former cinemas operated under the name of Rio Bingo.

Metronome
Metronome on May 16, 2017 at 3:29 am

With a little bit of help from Swale Council and the Lottery Heritage Fund some of this magnificent old building has been converted to flats. However, the theatre itself remains, although in need of extensive refurbishment. The owners are open to offers of funding to restore it to its former glory.

Chalky
Chalky on November 30, 2016 at 4:24 am

My grandfather (Chris White) was the young manager of the Electric Theatre in 1919. A story in the local newspaper at the time reported a local war hero, Charlie Noakes, who was struck dumb with shell shock during the 1st World War and suffered other injuries. He was so overcome with emotion as he tried to laugh at a comedy film Her Movie Madness his power of speech returned. Amazed, he caused a stir as he cried out, “I have regained my speech….thank God,” then knelt down and prayed. Up to that time he was forced to communicate with the aid of a slate and some chalk.

ritzman
ritzman on August 4, 2014 at 12:54 pm

When I lived in Folkestone it was known as Savoy bingo and then later became Rio bingo.The Standaart Organ was bought by a local cinema organ buff, Eric Hart, who installed it in his private house in Chart Road, Cheriton – an area of Folkestone.

eggplant_casserole
eggplant_casserole on June 12, 2014 at 5:07 pm

Well, it may have had a reprieve. A property agent (who specializes in pubs) now have a to let sign on the front of the building! Their website suggests it is available freehold or leasehold.

http://www.sidneyphillips.co.uk/fulldetails.php?prn=37950

eggplant_casserole
eggplant_casserole on January 14, 2014 at 5:50 pm

It looks like the fate of this cinema is sealed. Planning permission has been submitted to convert it into flats. As always with Shepway District Council, it was done in a hush-hush manner and it would seem no objections were filed. The decision seems to be overdue.

http://searchplanapps.shepway.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=MR3S45NZ03R00