Everyman York
Blossom Street,
York,
YO24 1AJ
Blossom Street,
York,
YO24 1AJ
14 people
favorited this theater
Showing 101 - 125 of 143 comments
Hi Tim, hmmmmm leisure sector, now is that cinema/theatre/music/bingo/variety/pub….comedy…
re enlightened cinema chain, remember I mentioned Empire Cinemas ? Did anyone contact them ?
best
Kev P
Possible Good News. It was reported yesterday in our local paper that new operators could be taking over the Odeon by the New Year. The selling agents remained tight lipped about their identity but said that they were from the leisure sector!?
Whilst this is great news in that the building is not being left to rot, we do need to know what the building will be used for before we crack open the champagne!! There is still a need for a city centre located cinema (as Jason’s posting makes clear) and with York’s housing developments experiencing a boom at the moment, city centre venues will be all the more important.
A spokesman said that it was hoped that the lease would be sold in the next few months once issues over its Grade II listed features had been addressed. This may refer to the original facade sign that is the last remaining Odeon sign of its type in the whole of the UK. Obviously if a new operator is taking the cinema on they will want their name above the door, but hopefully the sign can be preserved in some way. Donate it to me and I’ll preserve it in my own collection!!!
Under current planning clauses, the building can be used as a cinema, theatre or any other place of public entertainment.
Lets hope the possible purchasers are an enlightened cinema chain (do they still exist??) with a love for restoring old cinema buildings to their former art deco glory.
Fingers crossed and more news when I have it.
Was in York yesterday and having a few hours to spare thought I might try and see Casino Royale at City Screen. No Chance, two afternoon screenings sold out and queues of people out the door. Surely this proves that a city centre cinema is viable and if this movie had been on at the Odeon business would have been fantastic. Someone please take on this building and prove it can work it is so sad to see it boarded up.
For sale boards have finally gone up on the former Odeon cinema in
York, which closed on 31st of August.
Leeds estate agents Colliers Cre are marketing the long lease (which
is believed to run till 2035)for offers in excess of £650,000.
They are marketing it as “cinema premises or suitable for
alternative uses – subject to obtaining planning and other consents.”
Details given state:
“The property is arranged over ground, mezzanine and first-floor
levels and comprises a foyer, three auditoria, projection suite and
ancillary accommodation, together with retail units.”
Under a user clause, the building can be used as a cinema, theatre
or any other place of public entertainment, and there is a total
floor space of almost 20,000 square feet.
It is believed that more than one regional cinema operator has
tentatively expressed an interest in taking over the site although
their interest may not result in any firm bid.
From a source I understand that Apollo cinemas did make an offer but
this was rejected by Odeon?? Another source have said that “Reel"
may be interested in the site??
Since closure the building has already been branded one of Yorks
worst eyesores (probably in view of the extensive boarding that now
covers the building and the fact that it stands on one of the main
approaches into the city)
Tenants of the adjoining shop units have also complained that the
alleyway between them and the cinema is becoming a magnet for
drinkers and drug-users.
Lets all hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for this
fantastic building. Either that or does anyone out there have a
spare 3 quarters of a million on them and I’ll get it up and running
again :¬))
Tim.
Hi Kev, Its been a bit of a shock to see the building all boarded up but rest assured the fight will go on to preserve this deco landmark. There’s so much scope as to what can be done or introduced to the cinema (such as a cafe/bar grille for customers etc in the upstairs foyer) that its a shame that the owners didn’t have the same imagination or enthusiasm.
One of my fellow camapaigners had been approaching other operators directly with a view to generating some interest in taking over the lease so he may have already approached the Empire circuit, but I will check and if needs be approach them myself.
I’m still pestering my employers, Norwich Union, into recognising the importance of this cinema, seeing as they own the freehold of the site, so we’ll see what becomes of that.
Tim, thanks for all your hard work: don’t give up the fight!
Have you contacted Empire Cinemas about this great cinema ?
Judging by what I have seen so far, they would be , possibly, one of the best ‘candidates’ to take it over, run it properly, restore that famous sign, employ people passionate about cinema-going and keep this lovely lady of the Odeon circuit going, and not allow property developers or people who don’t give a damn run/ruin it further ?
best
Kev P
Thanks for your kind comments blakey692002. Apparently York management had wanted to do something to mark the closure after 69 years, but they were vetoed by Odeons regional office. I agree the manager could have said a few words though.
I drove past the cinema last night and saw that they had already been hard at work boarding the place up. A very depressing site.
The campaign will continue. Watch this space for updates.
Tim.
AKA (Captain Jack Sparrow)
A 1000 mile round trip for a closing night…could that be something of a record?….whatever…the challenges of the M25 and M1 were well worth it to attend the closing night of York Odeon. The final film in Screen One was You, Me & Dupree a pretty lukewarm american comedy, my only dissapointment was the lack of a few words to mark the occasion of the final presentation, but this was more than made up for by the great atmosphere generated by the film goers, Odeon staff, and the ambience of the Art Deco auditoruim. There were many nice touches, not least when the screen tabs were closed momentarily between the adverts and the main feature to allow the grand entrance of a group of enthusiasts dressed in 1930’s costume ( including Captain Jack Sparrow and a delightful blonde lady in a stunning white dress who look every part the classic movie star…who ever you were!). All were greeted with a generous round of applause, which was repeated when the curtains came together for the final time at the end of the feature. All the attendees and staff are to be congratulated on ensuring the final night was a memorable occasion….duly filled with both laughter and tears.
The staff in particular were most patient and obliging to the usual requests and questions which fall on them on such occasions, and the final fans left, ( me among them!) clutching their souvenirs around 11.30 pm when the doors were finally able to be closed!.
I can only hope that sufficient input can be brought to bear so that this unique building can continue it’s role in providing entertainment faciltites for the community it serves and that we have'nt said farewell to another gem….merely a temporary goodbye.
A big thank you to all who made the last show and helped us say goodbye (for now) to the Odeon. The atmosphere is what its about at this deco gem despite the lame hollywood comedy the company had on offer.
Even the staff were cheerful despite many of them being made redundant and for those of us foolish enough to arrive in fancy dress. (Yes that was me as Captain Jack Sparrow!!) It goes to show that there is still a place in the community for this wonderful cinema.
This is by no means the end of the show folks, merely an intermission.
The Odeon Theatre opened on Monday 1st February 1937 with Roland Young in “The Man Who Could Work Miracles”.
When it was tripled, it re-opened on 20th August 1972 with “Carry On Matron” in Screen 1, “Cabaret” in Screen 2 and “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” in Screen 3.
And one more picture showing in detail the contraversial signage:
View link
Two pictures taken on August 31st 2006, the final day of operation.
Exterior:
View link
Interior (Screen 1):
View link
Does anybody have any contact information for who is in charge at the Odeon York? Who the owner or person in charge is?
I really really hope someone steps in to save evolve this odeon from Closure permenantly. Has anyone tried contacting Dame Judi Dench ? I think its really sad that it has come to this and hope the campaign continues and succeeds.My son is only 4 and we walk past every day and he asks when he is old enough, he wants to go in.I didnt even realise it was closing,we are quite new to the area. Please dont tell me it will be turned into luxury apartments. The harrogate odeon got a art deco facelift.
Really really hope the campaign manages to save the day in some way.
If anyone is in the York area this month, as one of the campaign team I wanted to encourage people to come along to the Odeon, on the evening of Thursday 31st of August, to the final show, after 69 years of film entertainment.
Management have said that they have yet to decide what will be
happening on the last night, so I’ve read that as probably nothing!!
As circuits mark closures with little or no publicity, no big bang,
just more of a whimper, it would be fantastic to get one last full
capacity audience in Screen 1, still the best place in York to
experience the big screen feel.
What’s more, if you’re feeling bold, we want you to come along in
fancy dress, either as your favourite film star (past or present) or
in the fashions from the late 1930’s, when the Odeon first threw open
its doors to the public.
We’ve shown in our 3 year campaign that there is still the support
for a traditional high street cinema, in a convenient location and
not ridiculously over-priced, despite what the current leaseholders
think. The local population continues to grow as new housing
developments are built, making the demand for a suitable local
leisure venue all the more important.
This doesn’t mark the end of the road. Work is still continuing
behind the scenes to publicise the plight of this Art Deco gem and we
look upon this closure as a temporary one, whilst a more enlightened
concern realises its potential.
We are also thrilled to announce two more celebrity supporters. Eric
Knowles and Maureen Lipman.
The last film has yet to be announced but being the end of August it
will probably be one of the late summer blockbusters. Tickets are
usually available the week before, either from the cinemas box
office or over the internet.
So tell your family, friends and neighbours to dig out their glad
rags, get their tickets booked and get down to the Odeon’s “Last
Hurrah” (for now!) We’ve got 799 seats to fill.
Tim..
CJ, in the case of such a classic branding as the Odeon circuit was, and in particular to how THIS Odeon sign looks, it would be criminal to remove it, hide it from public view or other.
The Odeon Bromley, now run by the( highly exciting attitude ) still has the Odeon signage ( albeit very late Odeon branding.
Apart from all the local people knowing it as their Odeon, the name has become synonymous with going to the cinema, not unlike Hoover…
So no harm in keeping it IMHO
Kev P
While I appreciate the original campaign to save the signage I can’t help feeling it may have added to Odeon’s unwillingness to refurbish this cinema as they couldn’t rebrand. And therefore contributed to the decline. This raises the question about the fine line of preserving buildings in museum state and operating in the modern market. I agree that little imagination has been used by Odeon but ironically if a new chain or single owner takes over and I sincerely hope they do, the old signage may be consigned to storage as Odeon like to protect their name and probably would object to it remaining in place. On a suggestion for the future,maybe Norwich Union should donate the freehold of the building to the city council , they can afford it. Then intrested groups could apply to run it.
Also the Northern Morris circuit, based in the North of England, would be a good operator.
Thanks for both your comments Tristar and Kev. The Odeons character is the best thing its got going for it, both externally and internally and is one of the main points we’ve always tried to put across to the owners with our campaign. Screen 1 is as you say one of the best places to see a film. Sadly the Odeon company are all about bringing the nice shiny conveyer belt mentality of the multiplex to buildings like these. Plus the fact that they are no longer an entertainment company, just part of a private equity firm, more concerned with property development. I travelled to Australia recently and there the operators know a thing or two about catering for film fans and treating their older properties with a lot more respect than we do in theis country. Thinking about having a meal out, well there are cinemas where you can relax in a luxury leather reclining seat and enjoy an a la carte meal, with maybe a glass of beer or wine. A private lounge to enjoy pre or post movie drinks. What a fantastic concept to bring to cinemas such as the York Odeon. Beats plastic popcorn and watered down syrupy drinks don’t you think?
Thanks for the suggestion in contacting the new Empire cinema circuit. Definately worth a shot. I understand they are actually taking steps to bring quality to cinemas and maybe a little bit of the old-style history too.
Please keep your support and suggestions coming in. We need your help.
Cheers everyone.
Tim..
Hi Tim,
have you tried the new Empire Circuit, after their recent takeover of several Odeons?
Best
Kev P
Having heard the news about the York Odeon, I took the trip down from Glasgow to visit it. To my delight screen one was in use, showing Ice age 2. I was well impressed, what a great auditorim, I can’t remember having ever been a cinima as impressive before.
It may be a bit rough round the ages, and well overdue a lick of paint, but it has charactor. I can’t think of a better place to watch a film. It would be a great shame for it to close, and just as big a shame if screen one were to be broken up into smaller screens.
It wouldent need millions of pounds spent on it, just a lick of paint, a few new light shades, fix the boiler, and a fresh carpet laied. Anything else would spoil it.
I would urge anyone who has never been before to take a trim and see it for yourself. I found the staff to be most helpfull, thanks guys, and I hope everything works out for you.
Good luck with your campaign to keep it open, I hope I will be able to come back and visit again some day.
Thanks!
More News:– Continuing problems with the boiler have meant that during the current cold weather the largest screen which seats around 800 has been closed to the public. A spokeswoman confirmed that the 2 smaller screens are being kept warm by portable heaters. She said ‘To protect our customers and staff, we will only operate an auditorium if the temperature is higher than 16 degrees C. Once the weather has improved then they hope to reopen it. Its the latest in a long line of problems and as the 2 week Easter break began at the weekend one can only imagine how much more money they will lose?
Further to my previous posting it has also been revealed that the building is owned by the Norwich Union Insurance group, who have their head office in the city, and which has me as one of its employees!!! I was as shocked as most people to hear this news, as throughout the 2 year campaign they have not revealed their ownership. They have owned the freehold of the cinema for 15 years and apparently negotiations are now taking place as to the buildings future. The current lease runs until February 10, 2035.
I hope to discuss the buildings future with the relevant department within Norwich Union and to see what their next move is.
MORE NEWS WHEN I HAVE IT..
Thanks for the suggestion cjc. I’m looking at every possible way to keep the cinema going and welcome suggestions.
Your support is appreciated.
SAD DAY FOR YORK.
Odeon have announced that the 1937 grade II listed Odeon will close
its doors to the public in late August.
“The decision follows an extensive period of assessment for the
cinema’s economic viability, during which we made every effort to
find a solution to its financial position and enable the cinema to
remain open,” said a spokeswoman.
This follows a vigorous campaign by local and national film lovers.
Although they have said that the decision was taken ‘with regret'
they have spent the last two years effectively running the building
into the ground to the point of threadbare carpets, naked lightbulbs
hanging from light fixtures and disgusting toilet facilities. It
would seem they were merely biding their time to announce what was
obviously on the cards for a while.
The company also claim that they face competition from the City
Screen and Vue cinemas, despite the Vue complex having been in
operation for 16 years!
It was only last week that the buildings boiler broke down leaving
patrons sat in freezing conditions whilst watching a film.
Odeon have confirmed in their press release that they do not own the
building and lease it from a property management company? ( anyone
out there know which company??)
Will any operator step into the ring and take it on?
So its 5 months till the end but I intend to explore every
possibility to keep this fantastic Art Deco monument open. Any one
with ideas are welcome to send them to me.
This is what happens when venture capital companies own cinema
circuits.
Tim Addyman,
York..
Why is this article posted on this site? This is truly remarkable. So many “allegations and enemies.” Perhaps my story should be made into a movie starring say, Richard Dreyfus or Danny DeVito. Why bring up all this stuff on this specific site? It has very little to do with this theatre’s posting but what the heck. So much misinformation here. So many lies, but hey: this is America. Say what you like and don’t check your facts! Assassinate someone’s character while remaining anonymous but what the hell. It’s America. OK. Here’s a quick fact check for the people who really matter and proof you cannot always believe what you read in the newspapers or from what is written on these blogs. Mike Novelli is the President of GVI and had nothing to do with any of your allegations other than for the Wheaton, Zoe and Lawford Theatres. Leave him out of the rest or are you too ignorant to recognize that other corporations have come and gone without him. 1. GVI paid all workers at the Lawford Theatre in Havana except for two who are being investigated for theft. 2. We did NOT accept donation money at the Wheaton except for the outstanding fundraiser set up by Todd Plagman and many others for wounded veteran Sgt. Joel Gomez. This was a fundraiser that we all produced last January and audited then turned over ALL money to Community Bank. 3. I like smarter people than me because I learn from them. I don’t see to many on this site however. 4. I am proud that we sold calendars from the lobby of the Portage Park Theatre. No one else was helping us. (See many other postings about the Portage Park Theatre.) We returned everyone’s deposits, by the way, unlike the mess with the Annoyance Theatre company. I have accepted responsibility for the $4K debt personally as I have with the $5K debt for the Uptown Theatre, (Pales). 5. The Henslowe Group was not given the cease and desist order at the Portage. Our tenant, The Universal Church was issued the order for “building without a permit.” I had three partners there. Why don’t you hound them: Richard Pales, Kevin Miner and Jessica Deans. 6. I am a rather pleasant man who likes cigars, fun people, travel, the theatre and music, and lively discussions about politics and social issues with intelligent witty people.