Gaumont Liverpool

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Taken on: May 21, 2022

Uploaded on: May 23, 2022

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The Trocadero Theatre opened on 13th April 1922 in the early days with Cine Variety on the centre stage 30ft wide & 40ft deep. Film projection was from the rear of the screen which at the opening was described as “Scientifically Curved Screen” which allowed perfect viewing from the back row of the high pitched circle, above were tasseled lighting chandeliers which later under Gaumont were replaced with Art Deco metal and opal glass substitutes. Unusually, which I have never seen before, either side of the central screen opening were small curtained stages which during the intervals opened displaying various tableaux’s. In the early 1980’s I knew a lady who as a child lived in Liverpool and attended the silent films with her Mother, she told me that to her the films being silent with subtitles were boring, however, it was the excitement of these interval displays that she looked forward. She remembered once when the curtains opened there were gardens with real fountains and birds singing, and one Christmas the left side revealed Carol Singers in falling snow, while on the right a brightly decorated room with a fire and a Christmas tree with presents beneath which were distributed to some of the lucky children from the audience. These two areas were closed after the installation of the new Wurlitzer organ.

Ron Knee