As I remember it, the Gaumont cost more than the Mayfair, and the Mayfair was also much nearer to where I lived in Belgrave Road, making the Mayfair our family favourite. I mainly remember that the Gaumont had a lot more (mostly black and white) stills from the films, which were displayed in glass cases set into the brickwork outside, meant to entice people in. The Mayfair had much less in that line. The Gaumont was the "posh" place to go.
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The Mayfair is long gone, but it had an organ and a marvellous "swagged" curtain which exhibited a breath-taking light display before the show started up. An iridescent display of marvellous rainbow hues that made the curtain seem metalic and full of fascinating beauty, the lighting seeming to keep time with the organ as it played. It generated a strong feeling of anticipation in this little boy as he gaped at the wonder of it, until the curtain slowly rose as the projected image began the show, seeming to shine not only on top of the curtain as it rose, but also beneath it.
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