The Club Cinema, which occupied the top floor of the building, ceased showing films in 1962 (at around the same time as neighbouring Shildon Hippodrome) and became a ballroom operated by the Club.
I understand that during this period the auditorium retained its cinematic appearance with the stage and proscenium, replete with house tabs, intact.
I believe that the ballroom ceased functioning sometime in the 1990’s and that this area remains disused to this very day.
I should say on the fanlights above the front doors(before someone corrects me). Plastering doors with advertising materials in ABC days was a frowned upon practice although in later years with EMI you were lucky to be able to see the glass on said doors for DC posters etc which, for obvious reasons, soon became ‘dog eared’ and unprofessional looking……
The last programme at the Empire was ‘The League of Gentlemen’ supported by ‘And Women Shall Weep’ (presumably second run to the town’s original Odeon, the former Majestic) as per image uploaded to the Photos section. What excellent value for money the final week’s patrons had!
The Empire’s disposal by CMA (Rank) still left that company with two venues, namely the original Odeon (not the former ABC which sports the name - at the moment, at any rate….) and the Gaumont (former Alhambra). In addition to the aforementioned there remained the ABC Regal (the remodelled Theatre Royal and the town’s largest venue) and the old Scala on Eldon Street bringing the number of survivors to four in total. My town of birth, nearby much smaller Bishop Auckland, still retained its four cinemas at this time and I often wondered why Darlington, in stark contrast, had so many early cinema casualties.
‘Charter 123’ (‘The Northern Echo’) and ‘Terry’ (‘Cinema Treasures’) are, I am sure you will not be too surprised to learn, one and the same!
Occasionally, I see cinema/theatre related articles in the local press (invariably awash with inaccuracies) and I, in turn, occasionally respond, resigned to the fact that few , if any, will care in the least. You, I am happy to say, are one of the rare exceptions, Harry.
I run the risk of being lambasted for saying this but , having seen footage (on local News Programmes such as ‘Look North’) and photographs of the results of the £29 million refurbishment of the Globe, I am not at all impressed: The ‘original?’ décor was described by a friend as looking like “a sickly wedding cake” and I have to agree with him. The houselights are like something out of a 1970’s ‘triple’ conversion (note the originals in the photo in the relevant section here) and where - oh where - are the famous bullion carrying maroon velvet house tabs??? (Front Curtains for the uninitiated).
As I say, I shall no doubt be criticised for having the temerity to make these observations, the usual tone being along the following lines: “Don’t be such an old misery! Be thankful that the place has been saved!” I, of course, am indeed thankful that the building has been saved but, having said that, one would at least hope that attention to the finer details would be duly paid when these schemes are carried out.
I am sorry to say that the place looks nowhere nearly as impressive as it did in that photo taken by ‘Cosmos’ (Glasgow) following a redec/refurbishment in 1954 upon ABC’s installation of CinemaScope.
Colour interior image dating back to 1955 (when all original lighting was in use) uploaded to photos section. This is courtesy of Kevin Gooding and would be a much better shot to appear with the overview than the existing one which was taken in the cleaners lights following closure.
Photo uploaded of the ABC Globe as it appeared in ABC’s time in the 1950’s. I have repeatedly said that I hope the maroon bullion carrying house tabs will be replicated when the the theatre reopens but I have the gravest of doubts……..
Photo uploaded showing the restoration of the long dormant Stockton theatre at an advanced stage.
I am guessing that, after all, they are adopting the original décor scheme. There are what appear to be rural or garden murals above the alcoves which house the ornamental fountains. These originally had an illuminated water effect so I wonder if they’ll get round to wiring them up ?
One thing that puzzled me: “What the hell is that in the middle of the fancy pelmet?” . By enlarging the photo I see that it is “1935” – the year the theatre opened .
The Classic was open throughout 1974 and most if not all of 1975.
Classic initially regarded some of the former Essoldos they acquired to be so bad that they named them simply ‘The Cinema’. Stanley fell into this category as did nearby Houghton Le Spring although after a short while they were ‘awarded’ the ‘Classic’ name.
Perhaps they had acquired a job lot of army war surplus paint with which to ‘tart up’ the fronts of house.
The Dovecote Arts Centre was adjacent to the old Hippodrome, the site of which is now occupied by the Arc Centre. The Turner Cinema, owned and operated by Turners the camera people, was on the High Street.
It was actually above the camera shop and was entered by a single shop style door on which the publicity material, in the form of a quad or DC poster, was mounted on the inner side of the plate glass.
One of the projectionists at the ABC once told me that the Halifax born mass murderer, John Reginald Christie had been a projectionist at a cinema called the Coliseum in the town.
I have only today, all these decades later, tried to find out what I could about the Coliseum but , I am afraid to say, that no such place ever existed in Halifax.
What I have discovered, however, is that the notorious person referred to did actually work at the following cinema in 1919:-
The main auditorium of ABC Halifax (former circle). During the triple conversion the EMI/ABC Company removed three huge chandeliers from above the front stalls in addition to all those above the front and rear circle. ‘Flush’ fittings were then inserted in the main ‘stalactite’ design ceiling. Whilst this did impose on the auditorium’s grandeur it did not harm its appearance too much.
The front stalls seating here could have been retained as the ‘drop wall’ did not encroach on this area plus the exits were still accessible; I suppose, however, that the circle capacity of 670 was considered large enough even for the occasional ‘blockbuster’ in 1976 - how times had changed!
The full width of the proscenium cannot be seen from the angle of the shot but as I recall it was about 55 feet which was wide by any standards in the 1930’s and certainly much wider than those of two sister theatres, York and Harrogate where the auditoria (particularly at York) narrowed severely at the stage end. When CinemaScope was installed in those theatres, rising festoons had to be installed in order to maximise the sheet size.
In Halifax, needless to say, tabs were always used (originally two sets but reduced to just the house set upon installation of ‘Scope). In the last couple of years of operation, the reformed ABC Company (basically Cannon with the name of its main constituent company reinstated) were too mean to replace the curtain cable when it ‘gave up the ghost’ and the very good quality lined satin house tabs were thenceforth only to be seen hanging at each side. Trust that lot!
I have uploaded a photo of the main auditorium of ABC Halifax (former circle). During the triple conversion the EMI/ABC Company removed three huge chandeliers from above the front stalls in addition to all those above the front and rear circle. ‘Flush’ fittings were then inserted in the main ‘stalactite’ design ceiling. Whilst this did impose on the auditorium’s grandeur it did not harm its appearance too much.
The front stalls seating here could have been retained as the ‘drop wall’ did not encroach on this area plus the exits were still accessible; I suppose, however, that the circle capacity of 670 was considered large enough even for the occasional ‘blockbuster’ in 1976 - how times had changed!
The full width of the proscenium cannot be seen from the angle of the shot but as I recall it was about 55 feet which was wide by any standards in the 1930’s and certainly much wider than those of two sister theatres, York and Harrogate where the auditoria (particularly at York) narrowed severely at the stage end. When CinemaScope was installed in those theatres, rising festoons had to be installed in order to maximise the sheet size.
In Halifax, needless to say, tabs were always used (originally two sets but reduced to just the house set upon installation of ‘Scope). In the last couple of years of operation, the reformed ABC Company (basically Cannon with the name of its main constituent company reinstated) were too mean to replace the curtain cable when it ‘gave up the ghost’ and the very good quality lined satin house tabs were thenceforth only to be seen hanging at each side. Trust that lot!
The ABC Regal was unusual in having a Christie organ rather than the usual Compton or Wurlitzer ( Union Cinemas, taken over by ABC, usually had the latter). The Christie organ was transferred from one of ABC’s East London cinemas, the Queens, Forest Gate which in 1941 was destroyed in an air raid but they managed to salvage the organ and transfer it to Halifax.
Image added to photos section.
The Club Cinema, which occupied the top floor of the building, ceased showing films in 1962 (at around the same time as neighbouring Shildon Hippodrome) and became a ballroom operated by the Club.
I understand that during this period the auditorium retained its cinematic appearance with the stage and proscenium, replete with house tabs, intact.
I believe that the ballroom ceased functioning sometime in the 1990’s and that this area remains disused to this very day.
I should say on the fanlights above the front doors(before someone corrects me). Plastering doors with advertising materials in ABC days was a frowned upon practice although in later years with EMI you were lucky to be able to see the glass on said doors for DC posters etc which, for obvious reasons, soon became ‘dog eared’ and unprofessional looking……
Three images uploaded to photos section.
The last programme at the Empire was ‘The League of Gentlemen’ supported by ‘And Women Shall Weep’ (presumably second run to the town’s original Odeon, the former Majestic) as per image uploaded to the Photos section. What excellent value for money the final week’s patrons had!
The Empire’s disposal by CMA (Rank) still left that company with two venues, namely the original Odeon (not the former ABC which sports the name - at the moment, at any rate….) and the Gaumont (former Alhambra). In addition to the aforementioned there remained the ABC Regal (the remodelled Theatre Royal and the town’s largest venue) and the old Scala on Eldon Street bringing the number of survivors to four in total. My town of birth, nearby much smaller Bishop Auckland, still retained its four cinemas at this time and I often wondered why Darlington, in stark contrast, had so many early cinema casualties.
I see that the latest figure is £30,000,000…………………
FAO: Harry Rigby
‘Charter 123’ (‘The Northern Echo’) and ‘Terry’ (‘Cinema Treasures’) are, I am sure you will not be too surprised to learn, one and the same!
Occasionally, I see cinema/theatre related articles in the local press (invariably awash with inaccuracies) and I, in turn, occasionally respond, resigned to the fact that few , if any, will care in the least. You, I am happy to say, are one of the rare exceptions, Harry.
I run the risk of being lambasted for saying this but , having seen footage (on local News Programmes such as ‘Look North’) and photographs of the results of the £29 million refurbishment of the Globe, I am not at all impressed: The ‘original?’ décor was described by a friend as looking like “a sickly wedding cake” and I have to agree with him. The houselights are like something out of a 1970’s ‘triple’ conversion (note the originals in the photo in the relevant section here) and where - oh where - are the famous bullion carrying maroon velvet house tabs??? (Front Curtains for the uninitiated).
As I say, I shall no doubt be criticised for having the temerity to make these observations, the usual tone being along the following lines: “Don’t be such an old misery! Be thankful that the place has been saved!” I, of course, am indeed thankful that the building has been saved but, having said that, one would at least hope that attention to the finer details would be duly paid when these schemes are carried out.
I am sorry to say that the place looks nowhere nearly as impressive as it did in that photo taken by ‘Cosmos’ (Glasgow) following a redec/refurbishment in 1954 upon ABC’s installation of CinemaScope.
Good to hear from you, Harry!
Museum opens in part of the Hippodrome:-
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/19321319.peoples-museum-bishop-aucklands-hippodrome-bingo-officially-opened/?action=success
Colour interior image dating back to 1955 (when all original lighting was in use) uploaded to photos section. This is courtesy of Kevin Gooding and would be a much better shot to appear with the overview than the existing one which was taken in the cleaners lights following closure.
Colour auditorium photo uploaded courtesy of Kevin Gooding.
The above is courtesy of Kevin Gooding.
Photo uploaded of the ABC Globe as it appeared in ABC’s time in the 1950’s. I have repeatedly said that I hope the maroon bullion carrying house tabs will be replicated when the the theatre reopens but I have the gravest of doubts……..
3 photos (courtesy of Dave Speirs, former Chief) uploaded of the auditorium taken before AMC/Odeon’s nonsensical ‘no tabs’ policy.
ABC 2 colour shot.
This shows the theatre as the single screen ABC in the 1970’s.
Photo of the auditorium uploaded. This was taken in the 1970’s when it was still the single screen ABC.
Photo uploaded showing the restoration of the long dormant Stockton theatre at an advanced stage.
I am guessing that, after all, they are adopting the original décor scheme. There are what appear to be rural or garden murals above the alcoves which house the ornamental fountains. These originally had an illuminated water effect so I wonder if they’ll get round to wiring them up ?
One thing that puzzled me: “What the hell is that in the middle of the fancy pelmet?” . By enlarging the photo I see that it is “1935” – the year the theatre opened .
The Classic was open throughout 1974 and most if not all of 1975.
Classic initially regarded some of the former Essoldos they acquired to be so bad that they named them simply ‘The Cinema’. Stanley fell into this category as did nearby Houghton Le Spring although after a short while they were ‘awarded’ the ‘Classic’ name.
Perhaps they had acquired a job lot of army war surplus paint with which to ‘tart up’ the fronts of house.
The Dovecote Arts Centre was adjacent to the old Hippodrome, the site of which is now occupied by the Arc Centre. The Turner Cinema, owned and operated by Turners the camera people, was on the High Street.
It was actually above the camera shop and was entered by a single shop style door on which the publicity material, in the form of a quad or DC poster, was mounted on the inner side of the plate glass.
From memory it seated around 120.
Photo uploaded of the Press/Trade Show of ‘The Rebel’ at the ABC Haymarket in 1961.
One of the projectionists at the ABC once told me that the Halifax born mass murderer, John Reginald Christie had been a projectionist at a cinema called the Coliseum in the town.
I have only today, all these decades later, tried to find out what I could about the Coliseum but , I am afraid to say, that no such place ever existed in Halifax.
What I have discovered, however, is that the notorious person referred to did actually work at the following cinema in 1919:-
http://www.halifaxpeople.com/Theatre-de-Lux-Halifax.html
The main auditorium of ABC Halifax (former circle). During the triple conversion the EMI/ABC Company removed three huge chandeliers from above the front stalls in addition to all those above the front and rear circle. ‘Flush’ fittings were then inserted in the main ‘stalactite’ design ceiling. Whilst this did impose on the auditorium’s grandeur it did not harm its appearance too much.
The front stalls seating here could have been retained as the ‘drop wall’ did not encroach on this area plus the exits were still accessible; I suppose, however, that the circle capacity of 670 was considered large enough even for the occasional ‘blockbuster’ in 1976 - how times had changed!
The full width of the proscenium cannot be seen from the angle of the shot but as I recall it was about 55 feet which was wide by any standards in the 1930’s and certainly much wider than those of two sister theatres, York and Harrogate where the auditoria (particularly at York) narrowed severely at the stage end. When CinemaScope was installed in those theatres, rising festoons had to be installed in order to maximise the sheet size.
In Halifax, needless to say, tabs were always used (originally two sets but reduced to just the house set upon installation of ‘Scope). In the last couple of years of operation, the reformed ABC Company (basically Cannon with the name of its main constituent company reinstated) were too mean to replace the curtain cable when it ‘gave up the ghost’ and the very good quality lined satin house tabs were thenceforth only to be seen hanging at each side. Trust that lot!
I have uploaded a photo of the main auditorium of ABC Halifax (former circle). During the triple conversion the EMI/ABC Company removed three huge chandeliers from above the front stalls in addition to all those above the front and rear circle. ‘Flush’ fittings were then inserted in the main ‘stalactite’ design ceiling. Whilst this did impose on the auditorium’s grandeur it did not harm its appearance too much.
The front stalls seating here could have been retained as the ‘drop wall’ did not encroach on this area plus the exits were still accessible; I suppose, however, that the circle capacity of 670 was considered large enough even for the occasional ‘blockbuster’ in 1976 - how times had changed!
The full width of the proscenium cannot be seen from the angle of the shot but as I recall it was about 55 feet which was wide by any standards in the 1930’s and certainly much wider than those of two sister theatres, York and Harrogate where the auditoria (particularly at York) narrowed severely at the stage end. When CinemaScope was installed in those theatres, rising festoons had to be installed in order to maximise the sheet size.
In Halifax, needless to say, tabs were always used (originally two sets but reduced to just the house set upon installation of ‘Scope). In the last couple of years of operation, the reformed ABC Company (basically Cannon with the name of its main constituent company reinstated) were too mean to replace the curtain cable when it ‘gave up the ghost’ and the very good quality lined satin house tabs were thenceforth only to be seen hanging at each side. Trust that lot!
2 photos uploaded.
The ABC Regal was unusual in having a Christie organ rather than the usual Compton or Wurlitzer ( Union Cinemas, taken over by ABC, usually had the latter). The Christie organ was transferred from one of ABC’s East London cinemas, the Queens, Forest Gate which in 1941 was destroyed in an air raid but they managed to salvage the organ and transfer it to Halifax.
ABC Regal and Victoria Hall in the 1950’s (courtesy The Francis Frith Collection).