Rex Cinema

Located in Sandgate, to the west of Folkestone, Kent. The building was in use prior to 1894 as a music hall (unofficially known as ‘The Bricks’). Films were being screened prior to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. During that war, the building served as an Y.M.C.A. for Canadian forces.

In 1921, it was converted into the Picture House, by architect A.R. Bowles. Seating was provided in stalls and circle levels. The proscenium, which had a decorative plaster surround was 30 feet wide, the stage 9 feet deep. There were two dressing rooms. It was initially operated by South Coast Cinemas from its opening on 1st June 1921, but closed before the end of 1921, when the company went insolvent.

The Picture House re-opened on 20th September 1925. It had a big hit in April 1929, when “King of Kings” was screened, after being banned in Folkestone.

Re-named Rex Cinema in 1939, when London & Provincial Cinemas Ltd. were in charge. It was closed at the outbreak of World War II in September of that year. Closure was because the building backed onto a beach, which could have been used for a German invasion.

Re-opened on 2nd June 1949, the Rex Cinema was closed on 9th June 1951 with Ingrid Bergman in “Joan of Arc”.

The building went over to commercial use, and later in the 1960’s became Rayner’s Beach Club. It has since been demolished and a block of flats named Tower Court have been built on the site.

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