This was a beautiful little cinema in the Art Deco style. It had good sightlines and comfortable seating. I was the manager of the Curry’s electrical retaiulers in the town and often visited the cinema after work. Sadly it was demolished in 1981 and I have been unable to locate interior pictures. Much loved and sorely missed
I worked as a manager of a shop in this town and visited this cinema on a weekly basis. It was a lovely experience although small it was perfectly designed in an Art Deco style. So sad it was demolished to make room for a block of flats.
I remember this and the Gaumont (Odeon) further up Westover Road before they were twinned and after. As some people have said their glory days are over. However, let’s not forget that hey have both given wonderful service to Bournemouth over the years. I visited both in October last year with The Cinema Theatre Association of the UK. I fear the opportunity to visit these cinemas is limited. A new multiplex with some 10 screens will open in 2017 and replace both the ABC and the Odeon. The end of an era indeed
I visited this rather sad little cinema in 1974 to see a showing of the film Woodstock. I recall that it was very tired and on its last legs. It showed films only three days a week the remainder was used for Bingo. The posters were designed locally in red and blue. On the night I visited there were about 20 patrons.
As a regular visitor to The Tivoli Theatre I would urge any cinema enthusiasts to visit this gloriously restored theatre. The Friends of The Tivoli have done a wonderful job. If you happen to be visiting Bournemouth or Poole do try to schedule a visit. You won’t be disappointed.
I have found a website about a man called Peter Dyson who was deeply involved with the Regal Parkstone and other local picture palaces. A real find, for me at least.
I remember seeing Lita Rosa (a popular singer in the 50’s) in this theatre. I also saw Jason & The Argonauts in its cinema years. Sadly, this lovely building in now painted a ghastly shade of pink and looks very forlorn. Situated in one of the UK’s premier holiday resorts you would think that saomeone might have the imagination to do something more than operate a rather seedy casino.
Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who posted these wonderful pictures. This was my most local cinema in the 1960’s. On Sunday nights they usually had a double Horror bill including the Deadly Mantis and the original version of The Thing.
Thank you for this information. I used to visit this cinema as a child and saw Ben Hur there in 1959. It was a really lovely theatre but now sadly replaced by a very mediocre shopping centre.
This was a beautiful little cinema in the Art Deco style. It had good sightlines and comfortable seating. I was the manager of the Curry’s electrical retaiulers in the town and often visited the cinema after work. Sadly it was demolished in 1981 and I have been unable to locate interior pictures. Much loved and sorely missed
I worked as a manager of a shop in this town and visited this cinema on a weekly basis. It was a lovely experience although small it was perfectly designed in an Art Deco style. So sad it was demolished to make room for a block of flats.
I have managed to get hold of some pictures of this cinema but they are not great quality. If you have pictures I would love to hear from you.
I remember this and the Gaumont (Odeon) further up Westover Road before they were twinned and after. As some people have said their glory days are over. However, let’s not forget that hey have both given wonderful service to Bournemouth over the years. I visited both in October last year with The Cinema Theatre Association of the UK. I fear the opportunity to visit these cinemas is limited. A new multiplex with some 10 screens will open in 2017 and replace both the ABC and the Odeon. The end of an era indeed
Altduring the 60’s it was sadly then no longer operating as a cinema. I would be great to see the interior. Does anyone have any pictures?
Can anyone tell me how I could obtain a copy of this amazing photograph, so I can print it, frame it and put it on my wall?
I am desperate to get hold of any pictures of this cinema. Please let me know if you can help at
The cinema was actually located where the Iceland supermarket and Coral betting buildings now stand.
I visited this rather sad little cinema in 1974 to see a showing of the film Woodstock. I recall that it was very tired and on its last legs. It showed films only three days a week the remainder was used for Bingo. The posters were designed locally in red and blue. On the night I visited there were about 20 patrons.
As a regular visitor to The Tivoli Theatre I would urge any cinema enthusiasts to visit this gloriously restored theatre. The Friends of The Tivoli have done a wonderful job. If you happen to be visiting Bournemouth or Poole do try to schedule a visit. You won’t be disappointed.
I have found a website about a man called Peter Dyson who was deeply involved with the Regal Parkstone and other local picture palaces. A real find, for me at least.
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Does anyone know where I can obtain pictures of this cinema?
I remember seeing Lita Rosa (a popular singer in the 50’s) in this theatre. I also saw Jason & The Argonauts in its cinema years. Sadly, this lovely building in now painted a ghastly shade of pink and looks very forlorn. Situated in one of the UK’s premier holiday resorts you would think that saomeone might have the imagination to do something more than operate a rather seedy casino.
I appeared on the stage of this lovely theatre many times in the 60’s and 70’s. Thank goodness it has been preserved.
Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who posted these wonderful pictures. This was my most local cinema in the 1960’s. On Sunday nights they usually had a double Horror bill including the Deadly Mantis and the original version of The Thing.
Thank you for this information. I used to visit this cinema as a child and saw Ben Hur there in 1959. It was a really lovely theatre but now sadly replaced by a very mediocre shopping centre.