Classic Chelsea

Chelsea, London, England

148-150 King's Road

, Chelsea, London, England, United Kingdom SW3 4UT

(map)

Status:	Closed/Demolished
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Art Nouveau

Function:	Unknown
Seats:	394
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	Felix Joubert
Firm:	Unknown

Opened in 1910 as the Chelsea Picture Playhouse, the architect was Felix Joubert and seating was provided for 394 on a single floor. In the early-1920's it was known as the Electric Cinema Theatre and had this name set into the tiled facade.

By 1937 it had been taken over by Classic Cinemas Ltd. and became one of the first to be operated by this chain that specialised in repertory screenings of classic Hollywood films. Now re-named the Classic Cinema, the facade was reduced in height and given a 'modern' look which it retained until closing on 4th August 1973. A typical 'Classic' double bill programme of Edward G. Robinson starring in two films, "Little Ceasar" and "Bullets or Ballots" were the final films.

The original stage production of "Rocky Horror Show" starring Tim Curry was transfered from the Royal Court Theatre to the Classic Cinema building for three months. After that, it went onto greater success at the slightly larger King's Road Theatre along the road, and later into the West End at the Comedy Theatre.

After the short run of "Rocky Horror Show" ended, the building was demolished. Today a branch of Boots the chemist's shop and offices have been built on the site.

Contributed by KenRoe

YOUR COMMENTS

I might not be here if it wasn't for this building, my late Father Patrick Mullen was Assistant Manager and later manager in the early sixties and my mother a Drama Student worked as an usherette. They met at work and married soon after. It's no wonder I have an intrest in cinemas!
This was quite a popular cinema in those days and my mother recalls many actors including Alec Guinness and would call in to watch films unnoticed by the public.

posted by jasonmullen on Feb 15, 2006 at 10:22am

Isnt this the Classic cinema where The Rocky Horror Show played for awhile after premiering at the Royal Court up the road before it went to the West Ends Comedy Theatre??

posted by Ian -'adoraKiaOra on Dec 13, 2006 at 2:39am

I mean the stage show NOT the movie by the way!!

posted by Ian -'adoraKiaOra on Dec 13, 2006 at 2:40am

The original stage show did transfer here for a short period, a matter of months but after that, it moved to the Kings Road Theatre (later known as the Classic/Cannon/MGM/Virgin/UGC and now Cineworld)

In 1979 it then moved to the Comedy Theatre in London's West End where it completed its run in 1981 or thereabouts.

posted by jasonmullen on Dec 13, 2006 at 3:12am

Hey jason, thanks for that! I had a pretty good idea it was this one but as there are so many old cinemas in Chelsea i just wanted to make sure. I saw Rocky when it went to the West End but i know a few people who saw it at the Classic. They said it was amazing it was ever allowed to open cos the ceiling was comeing down, wallpaper falling on the audience- how very atmospheric for Rocky! The show lost all its raw fun when it went to the 800+ Comedy, but at least it had a good few years in the West End. Great to be in touch with you on this amazing site

posted by Ian -'adoraKiaOra on Dec 13, 2006 at 5:31am

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