Derwent Pavilion

In Burnopfield, a village in County Durham situated to the north of Stanley, the Derwent Pavilion opened on 4th October 1911. By 1914 it was operated by Black’s Theatres.

By 1923, according to the Kinematograph Year Book, the Derwent Pavilion was being operated by Messrs. Hill and Conan, while the resident manager was G. Robinson. There was one show nightly, with two changes of programme weekly.

The 1928 edition advertised “Pictures and Variety”, utilising the 18ft deep stage, 25ft wide proscenium and four dressing rooms. Around this time an Edibell sound system was installed

By 1932 a British Thomson Houston (BTH) sound system had been installed, and J. M. Rae had acquired the Derwent Pavilion.

By 1934 Dixon Scott had taken over. No owner is shown in the late-1930s/early 1940s, until R. Trotter & Murray are listed in 1942.

It is possible there was a short period of closure in the late 1930’s/early-1940’s, while some refurbishment and/or restructuring took place, as a local history cutting in the Cinema Theatre Association Archive maintains that the Derwent Pavilion closed for films in around 1940. It then continued as a dance hall and was also home to shows presented by Burnopfield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, which had been formed in 1939.

It is not known when the building was vacated, but eventually it became derelict and, after it was badly damaged in a storm in the 1960’s, it was demolished.

(I have been unable to trace the address of the Derwent Pavilion.)

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