Great picture.
Jack Goods musical, ‘Elvis’ had a very successful run there as seen in this photo.
By the way the white cover that was over the building recently has now gone and yesterday afternoon the place looked very sad and sorry for itself.
Not sure of what screenings it does theses days but back in the 80s and 90s it was one of Swansea’s only screens showing art movies. always well attended by a whole spectrum of people.
A great little auditorium.
I worked on a tour of ‘A Chorus Line’ back in the mid 80s that played a week here and back then the stage facilities were very limiting to say the least. The large orchestra for the show was housed upstairs, in the funtion room, of a pub up the road from the theatre and relayed back to the auditorium.
Beautiful, atmospheric theatre, well preserved.
I have just read the above book ‘Capitol Days’ (£9.99) and it is a great and easy read, full of great stories and facts about this wonderful theatre.
Cardiff made a big mistake by not investing in this building.
Bloody councils!
Ken’s photos are always amazing weather they be those seen here in L.A or from any corner of the word in which he visits.
Keep ‘em coming Ken! Many thanks!
The Piccadilly has a unique movable ceiling.
The entire ceiling forward of the balcony’s is a false platform that at the press of a button can be lowered to the level of the front of the second balcony. This has the immediate effect of making the huge auditorium feel much more intimate.
Used very rarely theses days but back in the 70s and 80s, when the theatre was home to more plays than musicals, it could be seen in use quiet often.
I’ve often wondered why it hasn’t been removed because it certainly isn’t the most attractive of features in an otherwise beautiful auditorium.
Clearly visible from the trains as you arrive into London at Paddington Station. They can be seen on the left of the train about 2 mins outside the station.
The Odeon 1 in the late 80s, early 90s used to be a great size screen on which to see new releases. At the time it must have been one of the biggest screens left around London. I can’t fathom out why they would even want to try and fit 8 screens into one building that size- yes it’s a big building but 8 screens!
I remember seeing ‘Roger Rabbit’ with a full house there and a few others around that time and the place was always full, so why chop it up.
I’m hoping that this series gets to cover Londons/ UK Cinerama history at the London Casino, London Coliseum etc. So far this series has been nothing short of fascinating!
Great picture.
Jack Goods musical, ‘Elvis’ had a very successful run there as seen in this photo.
By the way the white cover that was over the building recently has now gone and yesterday afternoon the place looked very sad and sorry for itself.
A very sad day for London theatres and London history itself.
I see this great looking facade and I’m reminded of the glorious Carlton Cinema, Swansea.
This building still looks fantastic as you stroll down Gan Via by day or night. What a great building and intact too!
As of New Years Eve 2008 it was still sitting there in a very bad state indeed.
LOl That is so funny but so true!
Not sure of what screenings it does theses days but back in the 80s and 90s it was one of Swansea’s only screens showing art movies. always well attended by a whole spectrum of people.
A great little auditorium.
A horrible place that people seem to be leaving alone since the opening of the Vue on wind Street.
How could they have coveerd up such a gorgeous frontage?
I worked on a tour of ‘A Chorus Line’ back in the mid 80s that played a week here and back then the stage facilities were very limiting to say the least. The large orchestra for the show was housed upstairs, in the funtion room, of a pub up the road from the theatre and relayed back to the auditorium.
Beautiful, atmospheric theatre, well preserved.
A very sad situation for Londons theatreland.
Its coming down in January.
I have just read the above book ‘Capitol Days’ (£9.99) and it is a great and easy read, full of great stories and facts about this wonderful theatre.
Cardiff made a big mistake by not investing in this building.
Bloody councils!
Michael, I think I’ve asked this before but do you intend on covering the wonders of Cinerama that happened in London UK?
Please!
Its just as stunning today as its always been.
Ken we must have walked past this place around the same time. I was there having a look around on Oct 18th seeing ‘9 To 5 The Musical’
I spend hours looking thru your collection and sometimes even find I’ve lost whole days!
Ken’s photos are always amazing weather they be those seen here in L.A or from any corner of the word in which he visits.
Keep ‘em coming Ken! Many thanks!
Thanks Ian.
i’ve often wondered what the original ceiling was like above that tin foil monstrosity?
The Piccadilly has a unique movable ceiling.
The entire ceiling forward of the balcony’s is a false platform that at the press of a button can be lowered to the level of the front of the second balcony. This has the immediate effect of making the huge auditorium feel much more intimate.
Used very rarely theses days but back in the 70s and 80s, when the theatre was home to more plays than musicals, it could be seen in use quiet often.
I’ve often wondered why it hasn’t been removed because it certainly isn’t the most attractive of features in an otherwise beautiful auditorium.
Clearly visible from the trains as you arrive into London at Paddington Station. They can be seen on the left of the train about 2 mins outside the station.
The Odeon 1 in the late 80s, early 90s used to be a great size screen on which to see new releases. At the time it must have been one of the biggest screens left around London. I can’t fathom out why they would even want to try and fit 8 screens into one building that size- yes it’s a big building but 8 screens!
I remember seeing ‘Roger Rabbit’ with a full house there and a few others around that time and the place was always full, so why chop it up.
I’m hoping that this series gets to cover Londons/ UK Cinerama history at the London Casino, London Coliseum etc. So far this series has been nothing short of fascinating!
Blood curdling!
Shame on London for letting this go ahead.
Sickening!