Empire Cinema

A prominent building on one of the towns main streets. The Empire Cinema opened in October 1926. Initially it had a programme policy of films and variety, although the stage was not large, it had a 25feet wide proscenium opening. The cinema also had a cafe and a dance hall attached.

In late October 1931 a Christie 2Manual/6Ranks theatre organ was installed and the console was on a lift. It was opened by organist Jack (Coutney) Taylor. In the summer of 1936 the building underwent some re-furbishment and it was closed until November of that year. After the end of the war it was taken over and operated by South Wales Cinemas Ltd. of Swansea (Jackson Withers circuit).

In the early 1960’s it was converted into a bingo club, a use that continues today as the independently operated Empire Bingo Club.

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