Plans deposited in 1915 show this as being a conversion of the Theatre Royal, rather than demolition and a new build, also, the architect is given as being Bertie Crewe, so little wonder it looks similar to his theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, London!
The consulting engineer for the superstructure built on piers was Thomas Garland. Carved wooden figures on either side of the proscenium were by Lawrence Campbell, RHA.
Address should be Lon Goch, Amlwch,LL68 9AL. Somerfield demolished the old cinema building and had a modern store built on the site, this has now been re-branded to a Co-Op.
The first cinema to open at the then RAF Alconbury was the Astra Cinema, this closed, along with most of the base after WW2. In readiness for a new role, the airbase was significantly rebuilt, including a later Alconbury Theatre as it was last called. This was operated by the US Air Force for their own personnel and families on the base.
In line with the gradual thinning down of personnel stationed overseas, RAF Alconbury has been largely sold off and the land built on with modern day shops and housing. The cinema has also been closed for a long time, and may well be demolished by now. It is noted on the USAF website as closed.
A tragic accident happened in the derelict building in the early 1960’s (1962 or 1963 I think), where a lad fell through the roof of the building and was badly injured.
Star moved the Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club to a former Co-Operative Hall, known as Oakfield House, opening there as the New Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club.
The Pavilion was only separated from the Empress on the same road by the row of cottages fronting Carlyle Street, as can be seen in this photograph. The Pavilion had a modernisation carried out on the façade at some point as well.
Operated by Arthur Tillney, who also had the Empress built (as a roller rink, and then converted it to a cinema when that craze faded away), it’s likely that Arthur had this cinema built.
The only cinema that I could locate in Abercwmboi was the Workmen’s Hall & Institute, which was equipped to show films. Was this the same venue re-named in 1953 perhaps?
Address was 1, Water Street, LL54 6LY. After demolition, the site became a garage and workshops. These have also since been demolished, and the site is currently vacant.
Please note that Penygroes (this location) differs to that of the village of Pen-Y-Groes nearby.
Brian Bull first registered Circle Cinemas as a trading name in 1976. At that time, he was negotiating with Rank for the purchase of leases on both the Monico and the Cameo Cinema in Bargoed.
Ten year leases were acquired for both starting 11th June, 1977. The Monico was twinned by Circle Cinemas between November 1979 and January 1980, the Freeholds being acquired for both sites during this time.
Circle Cinemas was incorporated as a limited company in November 1982. The last cinema operated by the company was the Studio Cinema, Coleford, Gloucestershire which was sold by Circle in 2011.
Circle Cinemas Ltd no longer trades. At it’s height the company operated 9 screens over 6 sites.
Plans deposited in 1915 show this as being a conversion of the Theatre Royal, rather than demolition and a new build, also, the architect is given as being Bertie Crewe, so little wonder it looks similar to his theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, London!
Architect was Thomas McLean.
Architect was John McBride Neill.
Another fine cinema by John McBride Neill, it was originally planned to open as the Ritz Cinema.
The consulting engineer for the superstructure built on piers was Thomas Garland. Carved wooden figures on either side of the proscenium were by Lawrence Campbell, RHA.
Built and opened 1946, the architect was Owen Doyle. Builders were M. Duffy & Son.
Architect was Robert Sharpe Hill.
Photo by Harry Rigby, I hope he doesn’t mind!
Address should be Lon Goch, Amlwch,LL68 9AL. Somerfield demolished the old cinema building and had a modern store built on the site, this has now been re-branded to a Co-Op.
Address is incorrect, it should be 128, Stirling Street, FK12 5EH. Currently in use as a meat wholesale store, Macfarlane Meat Products.
The first cinema to open at the then RAF Alconbury was the Astra Cinema, this closed, along with most of the base after WW2. In readiness for a new role, the airbase was significantly rebuilt, including a later Alconbury Theatre as it was last called. This was operated by the US Air Force for their own personnel and families on the base. In line with the gradual thinning down of personnel stationed overseas, RAF Alconbury has been largely sold off and the land built on with modern day shops and housing. The cinema has also been closed for a long time, and may well be demolished by now. It is noted on the USAF website as closed.
A tragic accident happened in the derelict building in the early 1960’s (1962 or 1963 I think), where a lad fell through the roof of the building and was badly injured.
Streetview in 2023 still shows the forlorn former Ritz shuttered and deteriorating.
Star moved the Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club to a former Co-Operative Hall, known as Oakfield House, opening there as the New Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club.
The Pavilion was only separated from the Empress on the same road by the row of cottages fronting Carlyle Street, as can be seen in this photograph. The Pavilion had a modernisation carried out on the façade at some point as well.
Operated by Arthur Tillney, who also had the Empress built (as a roller rink, and then converted it to a cinema when that craze faded away), it’s likely that Arthur had this cinema built.
When known as the Empire Pictorium, this venue was being operated by Mr V.W. Rowe, who also operated the Electric Theatre at that time.
The only cinema that I could locate in Abercwmboi was the Workmen’s Hall & Institute, which was equipped to show films. Was this the same venue re-named in 1953 perhaps?
Architect of this theatre was William Hope, it is the only survivor of his work.
Last use as a bingo club was under Hutchinson’s Surewin until closure.
Address is Gwern Avenue, CF83 4HA.
Address was 1, Water Street, LL54 6LY. After demolition, the site became a garage and workshops. These have also since been demolished, and the site is currently vacant.
Please note that Penygroes (this location) differs to that of the village of Pen-Y-Groes nearby.
Actual name was Sex-Kino 2000. Closed 24/06/2003.
Brian Bull first registered Circle Cinemas as a trading name in 1976. At that time, he was negotiating with Rank for the purchase of leases on both the Monico and the Cameo Cinema in Bargoed. Ten year leases were acquired for both starting 11th June, 1977. The Monico was twinned by Circle Cinemas between November 1979 and January 1980, the Freeholds being acquired for both sites during this time. Circle Cinemas was incorporated as a limited company in November 1982. The last cinema operated by the company was the Studio Cinema, Coleford, Gloucestershire which was sold by Circle in 2011.
Circle Cinemas Ltd no longer trades. At it’s height the company operated 9 screens over 6 sites.
At one time known as the Beba-Palast, it was destroyed by Allied bombs around 1943.