Classic Cinema

The Kelvin, having been taken over by British film producer Raymond Stross and undergone a complete refurbishment and upgrade of its facilities, became the New Kelvin on 28 September 1942. The war having ended, even more radical changes followed, including a new frontage and canopy; from 18 March 1946 it became the Mayfair (still Raymond Stross Theatres, Shaftesbury Avenue, London but later Mayfair Theatres Ireland). The Mayfair closed down in April 1958 but later that year (by 20 December), the News & Cartoon cinema (operated by Capitol & Provincial News Theatres) replaced it. In 1966 the Capitol & Provincial chain was taken over by Classic Cinemas, headquartered in London’s Baker Street, and so the cinema became the Classic (a name it retained until its closure) on 7 November 1966.