Crescent Cinema

Central Promenade,
Douglas IM2 4LL

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The Crescent Picture House opened on 9th June 1920 and was designed by local architect W.H. Lomas. Located in a prominent position on Central Promenade, the facade of the building is quite imposing, with an almost Classical style rendered in white faiance tiles.

Inside the auditorium, the style could be described as Medieval, with a setting of a 15th Century courtyard, fine tapestries on the walls, and the proscenium arch styled like a castle gateway, complete with a heraldic shield. Seating was provided in stalls and cirle levels.

Like most cinemas on the Isle of Man, it was owned and operated by the Palace & Derby Castle Co. Ltd. The Crescent Cinema closed in the early 1970’s and was converted into an exhibition hall for waxworks and a family indoor amusement arcade.

When I saw it in August 2004, it was in use as a bar/amusement arcade and gym/health club, known as the Crescent Leisure Centre. All internal decorations had been removed. At that time there was talk of plans to demolish the building, and in 2008, the auditorium was demolished, to build apartments. The facade was retained.

Contributed by Ken Roe