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This building has stood unused since 1996 when it had been a bingo hall since 1978. It was built in 1936 as a variety theatre with 2400 seats but was brought by ABC a year later and used principally as a cinema but also with stage productions, an annual pantomime and pop concerts until June 1974. On the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on 22 November 1963 The Beatles were playing there. Other groups having played there includes The Rolling Stones, Status Quo and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 1978 it became a bingo hall. It was actually the third theatre/cinema built on this site. The first was a 500 seater known as the Globe and demolished in 1925. This was replaced by a 1200 seater which closed in 1935.

There are plans for the Grade II listing building to be re-opened as a theatre and concert venue in 2012.