Rialto Cinema

In Newport, Gwent, the Electric Theatre was built at the junction of High Street and Station Approach. A number of architects appear to have worked on the design: Hine Odgers & May in 1909 and (separately) Henry Bennett and G. S. Valentine the following year.

It is not known when it opened, but it was licensed from 1911. In 1920 the proprietor was listed as South Wales Electric Palace Ltd.

The cinema closed in April 1920, was then sold and re-opened that August, as the Rialto Cinema. The resident manager was Harry Salter and the films were accompanied by The Rialto Orchestra. Afternoon teas were served to circle patrons.

However, the Rialto Cinema was not a success, and it had closed by the mid-1920’s.

The town centre site was a valuable one, and the cinema was soon demolished, Lloyd’s Bank being built on the site.

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