Comments from Ian Grundy - Cinema Treasures

Ian Grundy commented about London Hippodrome Theatre on Mar 8, 2010 at 9:05 am

Photos taken (mainly interior) during the 2010 building works here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4416648410/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4415881941/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4415882121/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4416648936/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4415882539/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4415882769/

Ian Grundy commented about London Hippodrome Theatre on Mar 7, 2010 at 9:32 am

Further to the above, I had the opportunity to tour the Hippodrome last week, during the rebuilding work. There is now no trace of the stalls projection box, which must have been swept away on conversion to the Talk of the Town in 1958. However there is a large projection box at the rear of the Gallery, not mentioned above. It is difficult to say if this is original or a later addition as much of the plasterwork is missing, however I would GUESS that it is a later, maybe 1920’s or 30’s construction. The portholes are bricked up (again some considerable time ago). Perhaps this was built for the trade and public screenings at the end of the 1920’s?

There is also a charming cartoon mural backstage painted by Rolf Harris after a stint at the venue in 1979!

Ian Grundy commented about New Gallery Cinema on Feb 26, 2010 at 7:23 pm

Two more interior photos of the auditorium taken in February 2010:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4389546342/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4388777717/

Ian Grundy commented about Hippodrome Theatre on Feb 25, 2010 at 9:40 am

One year on from Ken’s comment above, and there seems to be little progress on the Hippodrome saga.

Night photo from February 2010 here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4387115668/

Ian Grundy commented about Hippodrome Cinema on Feb 25, 2010 at 9:39 am

Tonkers seems to have closed and only part of the foyer is in use as a bar / cafe. The future of the building must be in some doubt.

Two photos from February 2010 here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4387115536/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4387115370/

Ian Grundy commented about Showcase Cinema de Lux Derby on Feb 25, 2010 at 9:36 am

Foyer photo here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4386353161/

Ian Grundy commented about Odeon Northampton on Feb 24, 2010 at 9:19 am

Two more photos here from February 2010

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4384524396/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4383762851/

Ian Grundy commented about Galaxy Cinema on Feb 23, 2010 at 8:55 am

Another photo here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4380930961/

Ian Grundy commented about Cosy Cinema on Feb 23, 2010 at 8:54 am

Photo here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4381687924/

Ian Grundy commented about Ritz Cinema on Feb 23, 2010 at 8:22 am

Photo here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4381687712/

Ian Grundy commented about ABC Maidenhead on Feb 21, 2010 at 10:16 am

The Rialto opened on 31st October 1927 and was designed by Robert Cromie. It was independently operated until Union took over the theatre in 1928 and subsequently it became part of the ABC circuit. It had around 1,262 seats and was never sub-divided. Renamed ABC in 1960, it was replaced by offices with two cinema spaces in the basement which were not fitted out and the theatres never opened.

Ian Grundy commented about ABC Maidenhead on Feb 21, 2010 at 2:05 am

More images here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/137513843/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/602538320/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/71140432/

Ian Grundy commented about Reel Cinema on Feb 21, 2010 at 2:01 am

More images – inside and out – here:–

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4373804615/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4373804273/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4373803927/

Ian Grundy commented about Ritz Cinema on Feb 21, 2010 at 1:58 am

Exterior photo taken February 2010 here:–