Strand Cinema
152-154 Hollywood Road,
Belfast,
BT4 1NY
152-154 Hollywood Road,
Belfast,
BT4 1NY
1 person
favorited this theater
The Strand Cinema was opened on 7th December 1935 with Shirley Temple in "Bright Eyes". It was built for and operated by the Union Cinemas chain.
One of the features of the decoration inside the auditorium was three rows of port-holes on the splay walls each side of the proscenium. These were back-lit and gave the feel of being inside an ocean liner. The proscenium had a wide plain border surrounding all four sides and had rounded corners. Seating was provided in stalls and circle levels and there was also a cafe located on the first floor.
In October 1937, Union Cinemas were taken over by Associated British Cinemas(ABC) and they continued to operate it until it was closed in 1983, due to a turn-down of admissions.
It operated as a concert and live performance venue briefly on its 14 feet deep stage. In 1984, it reopened for films again having been converted into a four-screen cinema with seating for 276, 196, 90 and 80. It is now independently operated and underwent a restoration in October 1999, bringing back many features that had been lost over the years.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
Another night view of the Strand Cinema:
http://flickr.com/photos/sjdunphy/354315301/
Here is another photo of the Strand.
Favourite local cinema! Can anyone help me with this question. I seem to have an old memory of going to see Orville The Duck, and for some reason I believe it was at the Strand when it was open for live performance. This would date it between ‘83 and '84.. and I would only of been 1 or 2 years old!! Can anyone shed any light.. did this happen or am I imagine things!!
A photograph of the side-splay wall of the auditorium in 1955:
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A vintage photograph of the auditorium & circle level in 1950:
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