Pavilion Cinema
294 High Street,
Aldershot,
GU11
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: County Cinemas Ltd., Odeon Theatres Ltd.
Architects: Henry G. Baker
Styles: Neo-Classical
Previous Names: Manor Park Pavilion
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This cinema was built about 1924 or 1925 as a single auditorium and single screen. It was taken over by County Cinemas in January 1928. Once described as ‘being replete with every modern comfort’, it originally screened silent films but was updated and refurbished in the early-1930’s being the first cinema in Aldershot to show ‘talkies’.
The interior was fairly plain but had a barrel vaulted ceiling with ornate ventilation panels with its projection room built outside and above the circle foyer roof. County Cinemas were taken over by the Oscar Deutsch chain of Odeon Theatres Ltd. in September 1939.
The cinema was closed on 29th September 1956. Once it closed, it became a fruit and veg wholesalers depot.
The Star Cinemas Group wanted to reopen it as a bingo hall in the early-1970’s but this never happened and failure of this plan lead to demolition. An office block named Campbell House now stands on the site.
The Pavilion Cinema generally did second-run screenings or transfered runs of films shown at the ABC/Ritz or Empire/Odeon.
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Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
Rare photo added of gala re-opening after the installation of sound 23/06/1930
New photo added of cicinemtaken soon after opening 1924
2 New photos uploaded – auditorium shots
New photo added
Architect attributed to be Henry G Baker who also was the architect of the Alexandra Cinema in Aldershot
3 more photos added. 1 x clear shot of the auditorium 1 x clear shot of the front 1 x clear shot of the circle lounge with the original geometrical star patterned terrazzo floor
New photo added.
New photo added showing the start of the end for what was once a quite luxurious neighbourhood cinema. Photo shows the roof stripped off and the exposed steel roof trusses.
3 new photos added from 1936- Mickey Mouse Club membership card from 1936. The Mickey Mouse Club was County Cinemas children’s Saturday morning cinema club. Aldershot boasted 3 County Cinemas owned houses – Pavilion, Alexandra and Empire cinemas. The Empire was the grandest of the 3 and probably ran its own club.
New photo added. The Manor Park Pavilion girl’s choir who went on to win the National final of the 1952 Christmas carol singing contest.