Comments from Biffaskin

Showing 101 - 125 of 609 comments

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Lyric Cinema on Oct 20, 2023 at 1:24 pm

For a good few years the Lyric was the venue of a puppet theatre for children, as well as being used as rehearsal space by the local AmDram Society.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Lounge Cinema on Oct 20, 2023 at 1:14 pm

Still intact and in use again! The auditorium has been incorporated into the Forum complex.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Rex Cinema on Oct 19, 2023 at 6:34 pm

Photo taken c1955.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Majestic Cinema on Oct 19, 2023 at 2:40 pm

Did this really open as the Mayfair? Is this an error?

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Embassy Cinema on Oct 19, 2023 at 2:12 pm

Interior decoration was by Mollo & Egan. The name, architect and interior designer’s were all favourites of the Shipman & King circuit, so this non-S&K venue is quite a surprise, I wonder as to whether it was planned for/by S&K?

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Parade Cinema on Oct 19, 2023 at 11:35 am

After closure as a cinema, the building’s last use was as a factory/storage facility, this lasted until at least the early 1970’s.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Palace Cinema on Oct 19, 2023 at 11:29 am

Poor quality, sorry, but this is the new façade of the Palace Cinema.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Palace Cinema on Oct 19, 2023 at 11:27 am

The converted shop.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about ABC Brentwood on Oct 19, 2023 at 9:59 am

This photo helps to understand the Cannon logo I feel, as you can see, the logo was, for a time, used by both Cannon & Classic, the logo representing ‘Cannon-Classic Cinemas’ (the three C’s), followed by an arrow to represent the forwards progression of the company… who knew that in years to come that the company would collapse spectacularly, having sold off a large portion of the ABC’s former circuit houses to be demolished during the 1980’s building boom… no doubt this action propped up Cannon for a while, but it couldn’t, and didn’t, last forever….

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Battersea Arts Centre on Oct 14, 2023 at 1:42 pm

At the time of the fire in 2015, the majority of the organ was away for restoration/repairs so was saved from the ravages of the fire. Sadly, the console wasn’t so lucky and has had to be built again from photographs.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about British Workmen's Hall Cinema on Oct 6, 2023 at 6:33 am

Known as Craig Hall by both the Scouts and Girl Guides, the building is still boarded up and unused in 2023.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about MGM Oxford Street on Oct 3, 2023 at 1:17 pm

Lionel: The Land Registry in the UK will hold a plan of the property boundaries, the local authority for the area it is in MAY have plans (in this case the City of Westminster, London), or you can try the Borough’s Library Service and ask them.

Unfortunately, UK planning doesn’t require consent for internal alterations to a building, that is usually only required for external alterations, extensions and the like where the building is being enlarged, requires consent as part of a conservation area, or is a Listed Building.

That said, UK cinema licensing does require plans to be submitted I think, and they too would be lodged with the local council as well.

I hope trat this helps!

Darron

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Astoria Cinema on Oct 3, 2023 at 1:09 pm

Opening advertisement added, including the original interior and the list of opening films.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Omniplex High Wycombe on Sep 29, 2023 at 4:41 am

Architect of the Wycombe Six was Jim Unick, first manager was one Geoff Greaves who now operates the Merlin Cinemas circuit.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about City Varieties Music Hall on Sep 17, 2023 at 7:57 am

Has this venerable old lady not been Listed yet?

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Ufa Gloria-Palast on Sep 16, 2023 at 3:54 pm

Address should be at 10, not 12-13, that is the new cinemas address, since changed to retail of course.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about New Palace Cinema on Sep 14, 2023 at 6:49 pm

Did County Cinemas acquire the closed cinema, or acquire it open before closing it for the Regal to be built? The text is unclear.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Star Cinema on Sep 14, 2023 at 1:22 pm

St. George’s Hall was initially opened as a drill hall, this use continued for several decades after the cinema closed. Star Snooker Club was a more recent incarnation for this venue prior to closure, most likely from the 1970’s when many local drill halls were closed by the Ministry of Defence and sold off.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Odeon Luxe London West End on Sep 9, 2023 at 2:16 pm

Architects for this cinema was Ellis Williams Architects, they also oversaw the Luxe treatment being applied to the Odeon Leicester Square.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Sep 9, 2023 at 2:13 pm

The latest ‘upgrade’ to an Odeon Luxe was designed by Ellis Williams Architects.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Reel Cinema on Sep 9, 2023 at 1:54 pm

Architects for this venue were Ellis Williams Architects.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Light Bradford on Sep 9, 2023 at 9:47 am

Architectural firm was Burrows Little, lead architects were Ian Little and Kasia Mogilnicka.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Light Bradford on Sep 9, 2023 at 9:24 am

Although operated by Light Cinemas (UK), the site should be referred to as ‘The Light - Bradford’ its actual name.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about Star Cinema on Sep 9, 2023 at 7:14 am

Now called ‘Lydian House’, it has indeed, been converted into apartments.

Biffaskin
Biffaskin commented about New Tatler Picture House on Sep 9, 2023 at 5:05 am

Name shortened to just Tatler Picture House by KYB 1944, address given as 4, Thornton Road, operated by Regal Cinemas (Warrington) Ltd., Gaiety Theatre, Manchester, with 710 seats and Western Electric sound installation.