Geograph - photograph every grid square

SX4754 : 1930/1940s Cinema, Union Street

Just an historic note. This cinema was one of three major i.e. non-fleapits in the town. The Gaumont Palace opened in 1931 and became the Gaumont Cinema. After cinemas fell into decline in the late '50's it was converted into the Top Rank Entertainment Centre with Dance Club and Tombola in 1961. It also included the New Odeon cinema, named after the nearby original Odeon was demolished for developments in the area of Drake's circus. Both were Top Rank cinemas.

Previously the Regent Cinema, the Odeon was demolished in 1963 and replaced by a Littlewood's store, in keeping with the shopping area that this had become post war .

The other main cinema of the period dating from the golden years of cinema was the ABC Royal that had replaced the old Theatre Royal in 1938. A lack of stage facilities in the town eventually brought about a change of role and, in keeping, it was re-named the Theatre Royal .

The upstart Drake cinema came along in 1958. Not being one of the big three it is only mentioned in passing!

Memories, oh memories !!!!