Also known as Plaza Super Cinema
Plaza Theatre
Stockport, Cheshire, England
Mersey Square
,
Stockport, Cheshire,
England,
United Kingdom SK1 1SP
(
map)
+44.0.161.477.7779
 View of the Plaza Super Cinema's beautiful interior, prior to the 2009 restoration.Photo courtesy of Ian Grundy
The films shown were Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in "Jailbirds" and Gene Gerrard and Jessie Matthews in "Out of the Blue".
Early programmes were a mix of cinema and live performance, or 'prologues' as they were known. The Plaza Super Cinema was equipped with a Compton 3Manual/11Rank theatre organ which has an illuminated surround on the console. It is still played today. There was a cafe/restaurant located on the circle lounge level.
The Plaza Theatre was closed as a cinema in 1966, and like so many others, became a bingo hall when it was purchased by Mecca Bingo. After 34 years as a Mecca Bingo hall, the Plaza Theatre was reopened as a cinema and theater in October 2000.
In early-2009, it was closed for a full renovation and refurbishment, both externally and internally. Costing 3.2 million Pounds, false ceilings inserted in the 1960's have been removed, and original plasterwork revealed again. The cafe/restaurant has been restored.
The Plaza Theatre reopened on 11th December 2009 with a cine/variety show, similar to its original 1932 opening show. The main film was "Gold Diggers of 1933", with Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy in "Towed in a Hole" plus soprano Marilyn Hill-Smith leading a tribute to Gracie Fields with the Plaza Orchestra, and Richard Hills playing the Compton organ. Seating is now provided for 614 in the stalls, 318 in the front circle and 254 in the balcony(rear circle).
The Plaza Theatre was upgraded from a Grade II to a Grade II* Listed building in 2000.
Contributed by Steve Lynch
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