Odeon 2 Shepherd's Bush
57A Shepherd's Bush Green,
Shepherd's Bush,
London,
W12 8QE
57A Shepherd's Bush Green,
Shepherd's Bush,
London,
W12 8QE
2 people
favorited this theater
Located in the west London inner city district of Shepherd’s Bush. The Shepherd’s Bush Cinematograph Theatre opened 3rd March 1910 and had a long movie career that sadly ended in October 1981 when, as the Odeon 2, it screened its last film. After a period of dereliction it was converted into a large pub, now with an Australian theme known as ‘Walkabout’
Originally this was the 6th addition to the Pyke Circuit of cinemas which Montagu Pyke had started in March 1909 and which was an instant success fuelling the rapid expansion. A further 10 cinemas were built, the final one in Charing Cross Road opening in August 1911.
It was partially rebuilt to the plans of architect John Stanley Beard and reopened in November 1923 as the New Palladium, the New was dropped in 1946 and it was renamed Essoldo in 1955. It closed for modernisation in 1968 but a fire just before reopening delayed the event. It now seated 500, down from its original capacity of 763. Further name changes occurred;Classic from 1972 and finally Odeon 2 from 1973 to October 1981.
Contributed by
Ian Grundy
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Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
I use to be relief projectionist with Fred Donovan in the 70s.
It was right next door to the BBC Theatre and we use watch some great celebrities go there from the steps outside the projection room.I think it had 70mm at one stage.
Shaun Cassidy,Osmond Brothers,Bruce Forsythe,Michael Parkinson etc.
It was a flat floored cinema on one level.
I live in Auckland New Zealand now and manage hotels.
Paul
Hi!kiwidownunder,I have a reply to your comment on the CORONET page.
Andy,London.
More external photos and some history on the former Pykes Cinematograph Theatre, Shepherds Bush, London here:
http://www.tnunn.f2s.com/pavilion.htm
Original lettering dating from 1910 is still to be seen on the side-wall of the former Pykes Cinematograph Theatre in this October 2005 photograph:
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Photo taken on 23-02-2010
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