New Regal Theatre

Originally built as a private chapel in 1787, by 1887 it was in use as a piano and parlour organ showroom. In 1913 it was converted into the Picture House to the plans of architect H. Skyrme. Around 1919 under new ownership it was re-named Palladium Cinema. It had a 30 feet wide proscenium, a stage 21 feet deep and seven dressing rooms. In 1930 a Duosonic sound system was installed and it played its first ‘talkie’ Victor MacLaglen in “King of the Khyber Rifles” on 13th January 1930.

Alterations were carried out around 1947 to the plans of architect Roland Satchwell. It re-opened as the County Cinema. In July 1950 it was taken over by the Miles Byrne chain It was equipped with CinemaScope and screened the first film in that process “The Robe” on 1st October 1954. It was equipped with a British Acoustic(BA) sound system. The County Cinema was closed in June 1957, and with the stalls seating removed and the floor levelled it became the County Ballroom from 2nd November 1957.

Seats were fitted in the building and it re-opened as the New Regal Theatre on 24th January 1962, still operated by Miles Byrne. It was taken over by an independent operator on 2nd December 1964, and the New Regal Theatre closed as a cinema by June 1965.

It was converted into a bingo club, which in 2015 was operating as a Gala Bingo Club. In June 2018 it was re-named Buzz Bingo Club. It was closed on March 21, 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic On 13th July 2020 it was announced that the closure would be permanent.

The New Regal Theatre is a Grade II Listed building.

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