Scott Cinemas-Sidmouth

I discovered further details for this cinema when researching for my now published book “Theatres and Cinemas of Sidmouth”. The original concept of the building was to have been a public hall but in the latter stages P.E.Steadman was asked by the proprietors – Radway Estates – to redesign the building as a theatre. This he did, mainly by altering the frontage and adding a projection and re-wind room for films. I found no mention of the architect William Henry Watkins being involved in this building. It did go over to films in December 1929 but soon reverted back to live theatre use. Strangely it was re-named “The Palace” for one year only, in 1936. It was used many times as a theatre during the 1930’s, through the war and well into the 1950’s. However, films were presented more than live shows and it was always regarded as a cinema. The proscenium was widened in 1954 for Cinemascope and again in 1966 when modern wall to wall curtaining was installed by a firm called “Modernisation”. It still survives today and is operated by Scott Cinemas with WTW Cinemas.

I have not been but the screen size at 41' sounds very impressive.

Some of these old cinemas with wide prosceniums can have very impressive Scope screens, often larger than that on offer from many modern multiplexes.