Strand Theater
20 Third Street,
Dover,
NH
03820
20 Third Street,
Dover,
NH
03820
4 people
favorited this theater
Originally opened in around 1925 with a seating capacity of 900 in orchestra and balcony levels. The balcony has now been divided into two screens with the main orchestra floor remaining intact.
“Now this is a cool old place. It is very old, and very cool. Worth a visit.”
Sadly, the Strand Theatre was closed by Spinelli Theatres in September 2009.
Contributed by
John Elwood
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Recent comments (view all 22 comments)
I found a reference to the Publix-Strand Theatre in Dover, N.H., in the May 27, 1930, issue of Motion Picture Times.
The Strand Theatre is visible from the Amtrak Downeaster train (between Boston and Portland)when passing through Dover.
I have heard that Spinelli cinemas has suddenly gone out of business and that the Strand in Dover has closed. Can anyone confirm?
The Strand is “temporarily” closed. At least that’s what this article claims.
The Strand was acquired by Rose Realty in September 2009. Though the marquee still reads “Will reopen in Oct” as of today, the theater is still dark, and apparently taking on water. Rumors of private investors are stirring, tough, and a community group has risen out of Facebook to support reopening the venue as an independent picturehouse.
Check ‘em out at http://bit.ly/cs8wRG
Here’s an article about a potential buyer: View link
Very good.
I used to work at the Ioka Theater in Exeter, NH and I am very sad to hear about this theater as well. New Hampshire, and more specifically the piscataqua region or seacoast region of New Hampshire really has nothing left besides that huge/disgusting/ugly/money-making Regal at The Fox Run Mall.
I now currently work at another single screen theater down in Boston, MA…The Stuart Street Playhouse, which used to be known as The Sack 57. I worked briefly at the Somerville Theater, which to me is the best example of a profitable and busy old movie house. I left the Somervile to help The Stuart Street Playhouse take flight. I have been working as a projectionist, but I am extremely interested in attracting people to come to places like this.
It is sad to come home to New Hampshire and not have any place close by to go see a motion picture.
Here is the facebook group started to attract ideas for The Strand’s future… View link
View link
This theater closed earlier this year when Spinelli Cinemas went bankrupt. This article mentions current efforts to sell and reopen the theater: View link
Just an update, folks: The Strand is currently being rented by the Restoration Church of Barrington, NH. The city recently granted them a variance to hold church services there on Sundays. The building’s owner has suggested a second-run theater might be a possibility on days when the church isn’t holding services, but there are no official plans yet. This may be the end of The Strand. Further updates can be found on the Facebook page to which Kyle linked above.