Playhouse Cinema

The Playhouse Cinema was built by a local trader with girder slvaged from the Shanklin Pier Pavilion. It is located in a narrow side road off the High Road, opposite the town clock. It opened in 1920 and has seating in the stalls and circle. It underwent some re-construction in 1939 and by then was operated by the Playhouse (Shanklin) Ltd. who operated the nearby Regal Cinema.

Closed during most of the war years, it operated as a summer only cinema until the late 1950’s. In the 1960’s it was converted into an independent bingo club and this ran until 1995, since when it has been empty and unused.

The building displays a ‘For Sale’ sign as well as assorted weeds sprouting from various exterior crevices.

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