Comments from Biffaskin

Showing 376 - 400 of 744 comments

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Savoy Cinema on Jul 2, 2023 at 9:14 am

Built for Savoy Picture House Ltd.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Classic Cinema on Jul 2, 2023 at 8:39 am

Alterations to the plans of James Corden Stevenson were carried out in 1925.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Castle Cinema on Jul 2, 2023 at 8:24 am

Architect for this cinema was Thomas H. Guthrie. Alterations, to the plans of John McBride Neill were carried out in 1937.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Gaumont Belfast on Jul 2, 2023 at 8:15 am

To help Joe, and Ken, the Theatre Royal wasn’t completely demolished, but instead, remodelled into the Royal Cinema. The architect for this work was Bertie Crewe, he submitted plans for the remodelling of the TR in 1915. The design was similar to that used in London a few years earlier.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Midland Picture House on Jul 1, 2023 at 10:54 pm

Architect was William Moore.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Royal Cinema on Jul 1, 2023 at 10:53 pm

Plans deposited in 1915 show this as being a conversion of the Theatre Royal, rather than demolition and a new build, also, the architect is given as being Bertie Crewe, so little wonder it looks similar to his theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, London!

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Capitol Cinema on Jul 1, 2023 at 10:48 pm

Architect was Thomas McLean.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Tonic Cinema on Jul 1, 2023 at 10:46 pm

Architect was John McBride Neill.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Iveagh Cinema on Jul 1, 2023 at 10:42 pm

Another fine cinema by John McBride Neill, it was originally planned to open as the Ritz Cinema.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Ritz Cinema on Jul 1, 2023 at 10:35 pm

The consulting engineer for the superstructure built on piers was Thomas Garland. Carved wooden figures on either side of the proscenium were by Lawrence Campbell, RHA.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Adelphi Cinema on Jul 1, 2023 at 10:32 pm

Built and opened 1946, the architect was Owen Doyle. Builders were M. Duffy & Son.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Ritz Cinema on Jul 1, 2023 at 10:29 pm

Architect was Robert Sharpe Hill.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Empire Picture House on Jun 30, 2023 at 3:57 pm

Photo by Harry Rigby, I hope he doesn’t mind!

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Royal Cinema on Jun 29, 2023 at 6:46 pm

Address should be Lon Goch, Amlwch,LL68 9AL. Somerfield demolished the old cinema building and had a modern store built on the site, this has now been re-branded to a Co-Op.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Hillfoot Picture House on Jun 29, 2023 at 1:05 pm

Address is incorrect, it should be 128, Stirling Street, FK12 5EH. Currently in use as a meat wholesale store, Macfarlane Meat Products.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Royal Air Force Base Alconbury Theater on Jun 27, 2023 at 8:43 pm

The first cinema to open at the then RAF Alconbury was the Astra Cinema, this closed, along with most of the base after WW2. In readiness for a new role, the airbase was significantly rebuilt, including a later Alconbury Theatre as it was last called. This was operated by the US Air Force for their own personnel and families on the base. In line with the gradual thinning down of personnel stationed overseas, RAF Alconbury has been largely sold off and the land built on with modern day shops and housing. The cinema has also been closed for a long time, and may well be demolished by now. It is noted on the USAF website as closed.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about New Hippodrome Theatre on Jun 27, 2023 at 10:37 am

A tragic accident happened in the derelict building in the early 1960’s (1962 or 1963 I think), where a lad fell through the roof of the building and was badly injured.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Ritz Cinema on Jun 27, 2023 at 9:50 am

Streetview in 2023 still shows the forlorn former Ritz shuttered and deteriorating.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Princes Cinema on Jun 27, 2023 at 9:43 am

Star moved the Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club to a former Co-Operative Hall, known as Oakfield House, opening there as the New Empire - Star Bingo & Social Club.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Pavilion Theatre on Jun 26, 2023 at 9:23 am

The Pavilion was only separated from the Empress on the same road by the row of cottages fronting Carlyle Street, as can be seen in this photograph. The Pavilion had a modernisation carried out on the façade at some point as well.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Pavilion Theatre on Jun 26, 2023 at 9:12 am

Operated by Arthur Tillney, who also had the Empress built (as a roller rink, and then converted it to a cinema when that craze faded away), it’s likely that Arthur had this cinema built.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Empire & Playhouse on Jun 24, 2023 at 9:49 am

When known as the Empire Pictorium, this venue was being operated by Mr V.W. Rowe, who also operated the Electric Theatre at that time.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Capitol Cinema on Jun 24, 2023 at 9:15 am

The only cinema that I could locate in Abercwmboi was the Workmen’s Hall & Institute, which was equipped to show films. Was this the same venue re-named in 1953 perhaps?

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Grand Theatre on Jun 23, 2023 at 12:35 pm

Architect of this theatre was William Hope, it is the only survivor of his work.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Palladium Cinema on Jun 23, 2023 at 12:19 pm

Last use as a bingo club was under Hutchinson’s Surewin until closure.