Last operated by the Shann family, according to the website memorylane.co.uk which has a great selection of internal pictures of the family at work during its final year of operation as a cinema.
Also, it was operated by J. B. Milne Theatres Ltd as an All Square Bingo Club, it’s listed in a 1966 Christmas Greetings poster that was on display in all of his cinema and bingo clubs at the time.
The Palace Cinema was at numbers 506-508, New Chester Road, CH42 2AE, the odd numbers being on the opposite side of the road (the former church side). Last operated as a car repairs centre, they went out of business on 18/10/2005.
This picture would better placed under the Lounge Cinema, as, indeed, the Forum complex is further to right, all but on the other corner just out of shot.
The facade is definitely a new build, as to whether anything of the former Lounge Cinema survives is debatable, as there are 3 screens, plus bowling alley, casino and various eateries.
Going way back to the building’s beginnings it was known as the Central Hall, and was used as a garage for a while too before becoming a cinema! I’ve uploaded a lovely early photo showing it as the Central Hall being used as a garage.
As the Hippodrome, or when opened, I’m not certain, there was Hill ‘straight’ organ installed with 3 manuals, 34 stops and 6 couplers. As to whether this was installed as accompaniment to the silent films, or was already there will need further research. Information from organ-biography.info
At least it got rebranded back to an ABC prior to closure. Professional until the end, the showmanship was great, as were all the friendly staff. I travelled down from Daventry to go here, as all there were in Northampton or Rugby nearby are soul-less multiplexes. A sad loss for Luton this closure.
As always, Ron has excelled himself with these archive pictures he’s added!
For a picture of the stage when the Jowett Hall, check out RIBApix numbered RIBA60687, and for the facade RIBA60688.
Last operated by the Shann family, according to the website memorylane.co.uk which has a great selection of internal pictures of the family at work during its final year of operation as a cinema.
Also, it was operated by J. B. Milne Theatres Ltd as an All Square Bingo Club, it’s listed in a 1966 Christmas Greetings poster that was on display in all of his cinema and bingo clubs at the time.
An independent has taken over the bingo club, it’s really-opened under the Regal Bingo name once more.
With thanks to Jenny King (my mum) for the research that found this early venue!
Theatrecard is correct, it’s 102 High Street, now occupied by Arbour House, postcode is SW18 4LA.
Housed a bingo club at the end too, last incarnation was as Buckingham Bingo before they moved the club to a new build.
The modern day venue is also known as the Roebuck Theatre, as well as the HMS Raleigh Cinema.
Operated as a bingo hall by Cascade Bingo, as shown in the gallery.
The Palace Cinema was at numbers 506-508, New Chester Road, CH42 2AE, the odd numbers being on the opposite side of the road (the former church side). Last operated as a car repairs centre, they went out of business on 18/10/2005.
Next building along, with the mock Tudor facade…
This picture would better placed under the Lounge Cinema, as, indeed, the Forum complex is further to right, all but on the other corner just out of shot.
The facade is definitely a new build, as to whether anything of the former Lounge Cinema survives is debatable, as there are 3 screens, plus bowling alley, casino and various eateries.
Did you know that Dudley Moore worked here as an electrician etc before he became famous?
Going way back to the building’s beginnings it was known as the Central Hall, and was used as a garage for a while too before becoming a cinema! I’ve uploaded a lovely early photo showing it as the Central Hall being used as a garage.
Address is 77a, Park Street, TF7 5JY.
The venue also hosts films once again.
As the Hippodrome, or when opened, I’m not certain, there was Hill ‘straight’ organ installed with 3 manuals, 34 stops and 6 couplers. As to whether this was installed as accompaniment to the silent films, or was already there will need further research. Information from organ-biography.info
Opening date was 19/03/1936.
Home Bargains now stand on the site of the Cinema House, postcode is S63 0JR.
At least it got rebranded back to an ABC prior to closure. Professional until the end, the showmanship was great, as were all the friendly staff. I travelled down from Daventry to go here, as all there were in Northampton or Rugby nearby are soul-less multiplexes. A sad loss for Luton this closure.
Address is 13-15, Raglan Road, Hengoed, CF82 7LY.
Listed in the 1948 KYB as being in Tonypandy.
Photo uploaded of the street scene more recently using instantsreetview.com