Playhouse Cinema

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Uploaded on: November 13, 2024

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Architect John Fairweather designed 20 cinemas two of which were named the Playhouse, one was built in Edinburgh with over 3000 seats opening on 12th August 1929 the other was at Inverness having 1472 seats opening four months later on Saturday 14th December, the film that opened this Playhouse was “The Singing Fool” starring Al Jonson. The interior had the feel of being in a theatre with boxes designed within the splay walls, possibly at the time when Fairweather drew up his main design cine-variety was still in full flow. Also the Playhouse had a proscenium opening of 45ft. Orchestra pit, nine dressing rooms and full flying facilities which included the cinema screen and speakers. The Playhouse was taken over by Caledonian Associated Cinemas in late 1941 C.A.C. also owned the La Scala cinema Inverness. Also at this time a new Manager James Nairn was appointed to run the Playhouse where he remained for 31 years.

Ron Knee