Oxford Picture Theatre

Ian on July 21, 2022 at 3:30 am

Oxford Picture Theatre, Barton upon Humber. Built in the mid-Victorian era as a malt kiln, the building was adapted by 1909 as a roller skating rink. At some point, the date seems debatable, it was converted into the Oxford Picture Theatre and Theatre of Varieties - this was certainly in existence by 1920. The theatre seated 540 in stalls and a small balcony, by 1964 this had been reduced to 399, and it had attractive art deco decoration, possibly only achieved with paint. There was a small stage, used for variety and amateur shows, the projection room was at the rear of the stalls - the windows at the front were the back of the balcony and were shuttered. Bingo was introduced on a part-time basis in the 1960s, and the final film is again uncertain, but no later than 1979 (but probably a decade earlier). The auditorium was used as a warehouse before being comprehensively altered into squash courts and a gym, seemingly destroying every aspect of the former decor. The Sports centre also closed some years ago and the building is currently being converted into eight town houses, with an additional floor on top - the facade on Newport will be the only recognisable feature left.

Photos from July 2022:-

BARTON upon HUMBER - Oxford Cinema front

BARTON upon HUMBER - Oxford Cinema rear