Some Liverpool Cinemas

Great photos, Sirob.

The Tatler in Church Street.
The entrance was in Church Street, underneath the canopy, then you walked down a corridor the full length of the building till you came to the side of the auditorium, which led to Williamson Street.
I'm surprised nobody else has mentioned the very long entrance.


Here are some extracts from my history of the building:

"The plans of the Tatler News Comedy Theatre were received by the Building Surveyors' Dept, in August 1933 of the conversion of part of 25 Church Street which had been shops. The building is Victorian, and is listed. Photos exist showing it in 1886, looking very much as it does today (above ground floor level)."

.............

"The premises were L-shaped long before they became a News Theatre, certainly before 1890. At the rear of 25 Church Street the building turns left and continues to Williamson Street. This section contained the auditorium. The entrance in Church Street was just that - a long entrance."

............

"The former cinema, without many alterations, reopened in September 1974 as a trendy clothes shop called Solitaire."

............

Subsequently there were some rather tatty operators in what had been the auditorium area, which is now occupied by Bon Marche.
If Solitaire have reappeared they must be next door.


.

Thanks Philip. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sirob

Have two more then, the facade and the projection room

---

Nice one Sirob.:PDT11

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sirob

Have two more then, the facade and the projection room

---

my goodness Sirob, you are a star! So great to see the facade and a bit of the old dairy building next door. The pictures was massive wasn't it? had a great atmosphere too, you felt like you'd really been out for a night when you went there.
When I was about 8 over there at the Saturday morning flicks, I ran and slipped and fell on the marble foyer floor banging my head on one of those pillars and cutting my forehead open good style. Got taken into the managers office and he sent someone over to fetch my mum. He told me off for running around even though I had to go and have quite a few stitches - you can still see the scar now 40+ years later! He told my mum I was bleeding like a 'stuck pig'! hahaa, I'll never forget that phrase :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mollie

Hi I'm new here and am amazed at the wealth of information. People are really interesting. :)

I was just wondering if anyone had any photos of the inside foyer of the old Odeon on Allerton Road? My family lives nearby and my dad phoned to say the 'new' Classic had been closed down. What a shame, we spent many happy hours there and in the old cinema on the same site. I'd love to see some pics of the inside of the old cinema, it was all marble pillars with a goldfish pond in the middle - to a kid it was like a palace. We went to the Saturday morning pictures there for years.

Here's hoping !

---

Here's a photo for you. Source unknown

It's a bit of a long-shot this one, but has anybody got any information on the building that is now the Mecca Bingo in Chester city centre.
It's probably been a cinema or theatre, I would think - and I'd say it's older than most (i.e pre-thirties)....

I'd be grateful if anybody could shed some light.

Crosby Plaza Cinema celebrates its 70th anniversary
Sep 3 2009
by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

A MERSEYSIDE cinema that has fought for survival for the last 70 years will celebrate its anniversary by showing a film that, like itself, was almost lost to the cutting-room floor of history.

This weekend, audiences at the much-loved Crosby Plaza Cinema will be transported back to when the cinema first opened its doors in 1939.

Cinema staff will be dressed in 1940s costumes for a special screening of the 70-year-old Wizard of Oz.

The film was almost destroyed after it was first shown because of poor reviews, but like the Plaza, it survived and is now an age-old classic.

The Plaza?s colourful history started with the shortest-ever opening.

It opened on September 2, 1939, but closed just hours later because of air raids.

It eventually reopened two weeks later.

Cinema manager Chris Halliday said: ?The Wizard of Oz seemed appropriate as it?s the same age as the Plaza and will look fantastic on the big screen.

?We want to reflect the history of the Plaza and all our staff will be in costume. We have an original Gone With the Wind trailer, sandbags and Union Jack flags.?

Over the years, the Plaza has had to fight for survival and once stood proudly among four other cinemas across Waterloo and Crosby.

Ironically, despite battling for popularity alongside multiplex cinemas, the Plaza itself played a part in the history of the multiplex.

In 1976, it was one of the first cinemas to become a triplex, after a ?100,000 scheme converted what was then called the Classic Cinema.

Continues >>

Eyes down at the Top Rank bingo hall in Dingle.

Seen elsewhere on this thread as a cinema.


http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/985...ingodingle.jpg




.

Wonder what they would make of todays bingo halls and prizes

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by scouse smurf

Wonder what they would make of todays bingo halls and prizes

---

Are there many left,after the fag ban?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wsteve55

Are there many left,after the fag ban?

---

Well, I know where a cpl are and they have national prize games now. Would rather go the bingo at the fair anyday lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Howie

Crosby Plaza Cinema celebrates its 70th anniversary
Sep 3 2009
by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

A MERSEYSIDE cinema that has fought for survival for the last 70 years will celebrate its anniversary by showing a film that, like itself, was almost lost to the cutting-room floor of history.

This weekend, audiences at the much-loved Crosby Plaza Cinema will be transported back to when the cinema first opened its doors in 1939.

Cinema staff will be dressed in 1940s costumes for a special screening of the 70-year-old Wizard of Oz.

---

Bet yer a choc-ice was still at todays prices though. :rolleyes:

I'm sure they were George,but a fair price to pay for a local, cinema! How they've managed to keep going,till now,is a tribute to all involved,and though I dont go to the cinema much,when I do,it's there!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wsteve55

I'm sure they were George,but a fair price to pay for a local, cinema! How they've managed to keep going,till now,is a tribute to all involved,and though I dont go to the cinema much,when I do,it's there!

---

and long may it continue :)

Recently came across the second pic' of two,of the "Palais de Luxe",which was in Lime st,almost next door to the Forum/ABC! The odd thing is,no-one seems to remember it,though It only went in the early 60's!(I think) And, also,that there had been another cinema, with the same name,(which may have been bombed in WW2 ?)for many years before! Anyone here, have any stories, or info'?



pic's courtesy of L.R.O.

My pa in law remembers it and in fact only mentioned it last week on hol when he was having trouble reading the words to the karaoke song he was singing as the portable telly was that small. He remarked it was like being in the palais de luxe - as apparently it only had a very small screen.

My nan used to talk about the Palais de Luxe.

I just asked my dad .. he remembers it too and says it had a small screen.

The Palais de Luxe started life as a theatre, The Grand Tivoli, opening in December 1908. The name was changed in 1911. Pictures with the bioscope interspersed with acts. When it became a full time cinema is uncertain, but there was no space for the orchestra, which had to be placed on a gallery above the procsenium. The conductor watched the screen through a large mirror! Sound was introduced in 1930, but the gallery remained, unseen by most people.
Although damaged by bombs in the Second World War, a major fire in June 1951, resulted in reconstruction with the modern tiled facade. With a narrow proscenium, it was not suitable for wide screen films and declining admissions forced it's closure on 24 October 1959.
The site was re-developed with shops, a return to it's pre 1847 use, before entertainment buildings.

Thank you Sirob.

Thanks Sirob,and all,
some great info' there,and looking at the older pic',it does look like a traditional theatre! I wasn't sure of the date of the first pic',but checking the date of introduction of Triumph Herald's,gave me 1959, so that one must be brand new!

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/asse...mer_cinema.jpg

Liverpool cinema building up for sale
29 Sep 2009, 15:21
Michael Hunt

A vacant former cinema and bingo hall at the junction of Park Road and Dingle Lane has been brought onto the market for investment opportunities.

The 13,544 sq ft building is currently subject to agreements with Orange, T Mobile, O2 and City Outdoor which produce a combined rental income of ?51,079.33 per annum.

Orange has a 20-year agreement from 1 July 2002 at a passing rent of ?11,765.04 per annum subject to five yearly rent reviews.

T Mobile also has 20-year agreement from 4 March 2003 at a passing rent of ?11,790.30 per annum subject to five yearly rent reviews.

O2 has 15-year lease from 9 August 2003 at a passing rent of ?15,523.99 per annum subject to five yearly rent reviews.

City Outdoor has agreed a three-year licence from 1 October this year at a passing rent of ?12,000 per annum.

Paul Parker, a principal surveyor at the Liverpool office for selling agents Edward Symmons, said: "Our client is seeking offers for the freehold interest or the rights to the rental income at a guide price of ?500,000."

The property was built in 1937 and includes a basement, ground and four upper floors.

Source: Place North West

Tonights Nostalgia show on Radio Merseyside at 10pm is all about Liverpool Cinemas.

Ged - I've only just now seen your photo on post #688. Absolutely brilliant, thanks for adding it.
Reminds me of work though...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ross08

It's a bit of a long-shot this one, but has anybody got any information on the building that is now the Mecca Bingo in Chester city centre.
It's probably been a cinema or theatre, I would think - and I'd say it's older than most (i.e pre-thirties)....
I'd be grateful if anybody could shed some light.

---

Hi there. Sorry this is a bit late- only just seen your request...

Anyway, that was the Gaumont Palace, Chester's first 'super cinema' which opened in 1931.

You can read a little about it, and see some pictures, on my website here-

http://www.chesterwalls.info/gallery/cinema3.html

If anyone out there's got pics and info about anything Chester I'd love to hear from them!

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...PrescotR-1.jpg
Former Granada Cinema, East Prescot Road, Dovecot

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...eTownsendL.jpg
Former Clubmoor Picture House, Townsend Lane, Clubmoor

Nice one Ross.

And just to tie this into another popular thread on Yo, The Julia Wallace murder case. The clubmoor picture house is where Lily Lloyd played piano. It was she who gave Parry his alibi she later retracted.

OK, this one's from out of town - but I thought I'd share it with you all anyway.

I came across the former Palace Cinema in Winsford this afternoon...

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...nsford-PIC.jpg

The Drill Hall in Dingle Lane was built by James Fowles and Sons of Winsford and was officially opened on 26th June 1901 by Lord Dundonald. The 3rd Volunteer Brigade of Winsford used it for their drill practices after returning from South Africa where they had supported the regular troops. By 1935 it no longer rang to military commands and had been converted into the Palace Cinema.

Took this yesterday, the Carlton, Green Lane.
Wonder when something is going to happen regarding this cinema ?? It's been pending for years.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lindylou

Took this yesterday, the Carlton, Green Lane.
Wonder when something is going to happen regarding this cinema ?? It's been pending for years.

---

Hi
I see that it has been re boarded recently. There are actualy some pic,s of the inside on
28 days later, and it shows the projectors are still there. I will ask my contact in planning
what is happening

Steve

My Mam was a cleaner in the Carlton during the war & used to get a free pass for 2 every month & she took me to see the best films in the best seats on the balcony , like 'The Great Waltz' etc. & the organist who played , sheer luxury . Ron

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lindylou

Took this yesterday, the Carlton, Green Lane.
Wonder when something is going to happen regarding this cinema ?? It's been pending for years.

---

Hi

my contact in planning told me this

An application was submitted in 2008 to develop the former Coconut Grove and Lords P.H., West Derby Road/Green Lane. The proposal was to erect part five/part six/part seven-storey building comprising 80 no. apartments with mixed commercial/retail space (within use classes A1, A2, A3, A4, and B1), together with associated basement car parking and ancillary works.



This was granted planning permission by Planning Committee on 09/09/2008 subject to the applicant signing a legal agreement. This, as yet, is still ongoing.







Regards

Is this anything to do with "Maghull"developments,who have more than a couple of stalled projects,at the moment?!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wsteve55

Is this anything to do with "Maghull"developments,who have more than a couple of stalled projects,at the moment?!

---

not as far as I know. My own opinion is for the council to give a
deadline, and if not met, compulsory purchase it. I mean 25 years
is a bit silly for the place to be empty

There was once a couple of cinemas in Prescot. Not sure what they were called But found this programme titled The Premier at The Parish Rooms in Prescot. I couldnt find any pics of it, but have found this programme. Also a pic of the site of the old Mayfair cinema in Derby Road Huyton, It is where Boots store now stands, you can still see part of the cinema above Boots.

Attachment 14265
The former Kwiksave building in Old Swan has just been demolished. The building was adjacent to the Regent Cinema which was independently owned by Wilkinson's funeral directors. In 1926, Robert Wilkinson formed the Regent Cinema Co. and the 1140 seater cinema was opened in October of that year and demolished in late 60's. Does anyone know what the Kwiksave building was prior to being a car showroom? It looks like it too may have been an early cinema.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by steveb

Hi

my contact in planning told me this

An application was submitted in 2008 to develop the former Coconut Grove and Lords P.H., West Derby Road/Green Lane. The proposal was to erect part five/part six/part seven-storey building comprising 80 no. apartments with mixed commercial/retail space (within use classes A1, A2, A3, A4, and B1), together with associated basement car parking and ancillary works.



This was granted planning permission by Planning Committee on 09/09/2008 subject to the applicant signing a legal agreement. This, as yet, is still ongoing.







Regards

---

Thanks for info Steve :PDT11

Hi there,

I'm doing research about The Commodore Cinema (now Armadillo self-storage) on Stanley Road, Bootle. The research is for my Final MA Fine Art Project - I'm interested in finding out about the building in its use as a cinema - does anyone know of any good contacts or other sites that I could follow up?

All the best,

Clare

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pinhani

Does anyone know what the Kwiksave building was prior to being a car showroom? It looks like it too may have been an early cinema.

---

It was the 'old' Regent. The forerunner to the Regent cinema that had its doorway in Baden Rd. A trip to Old Swan library might be a good source for photos.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CeeBee

Hi there,

I'm doing research about The Commodore Cinema (now Armadillo self-storage) on Stanley Road, Bootle. The research is for my Final MA Fine Art Project - I'm interested in finding out about the building in its use as a cinema - does anyone know of any good contacts or other sites that I could follow up?

All the best,

Clare

---

PM me and I can give you the information that you seek