GilesEngland. Now, that’s what I call presentation. I too was trained in the art by Showman Chief Roy Roberts at the Embassy Tenterden. The former Shipman & King Theatre was a small art deco cinema that had charm. We cranked up the presentation with stage lighting and special effects from the projection room. Non-sync was timed to the second and various lens were used in roadshow presentations to adjust the huge screen with motorised top and side masking. Our last working relationship came with the State Theatre Grays. A 2200 seater with full working stage and Compton Organ. Sadly, this beautiful old Grade 11* listed cinema has been left to rot and it’s future is still uncertain. Like yourself, I have been privileged to work, not just projecting films but giving the public that something extra. Showmanship.
The chief projectionist was the late Jim Frostick. Some years after the Regent closed, he became the 2nd operator at the State Grays. Mr Frostick passed away in 2011. The assistant operator was Ken Butler, who still lives in the town. Mr Butler also became a part time projectionist at the State Grays.
This art house cinema is under threat of closure , the local council want to take charge which means the cinema operators will have to find a new venue before the summer 2012.
I worked at Shipman & King’s Astoria 69-70. The two cinemas were part of the EMI Group. We used to share the Pathe News. The Astoria screened the news at the start of the programme and was taken to the Regal for a mid programme screening. We were offered bus fare money for the mile each way but kept the small change and walked. I used to enjoy the late night films at the Regal, afterwards a drink at the Mecca Ballroom next door.
I became the second projectionist at the Astoria Purley in December 1969 after being transfered from the Embassy Cinema Tenterden. Kent. Chief Projectionist Roy Roberts and myself were a team of four operators. The other two were second (Richard (Dick) Rapley) and a third operator from the Ritz Brixton. (Mr Hunter) was the manager at the time and I remember two usherettes, (Dawn Preston), and a (Mrs Marston). Somehow, I never took a liking to this cinema, and after only twelve months, left with Chief Roy Roberts to run the State Theatre Grays, Essex.
Seats from the ABC Ipswitch were removed on closure and re installed in the State Cinema Grays, Essex. About six people , including myself made three journeys in a removel van. It was back breaking work but worth it.
This photograph shows how the Embassy Cinema Tenterden might look as a twin screen venue. Although the interior has been gutted, the building could house a two or three screen digital cinema. However, this looks doubtful as the building is occupied by M&Co. The nearby town of Ashford (twelve miles) are planning to expand their multiplex because of increased custom. Instead of Tenterden cinema goers travelling to Ashford, Cineworld need to run an off shoot and manage the three screen operation in Tenterden. It depends on how long M&Co hold the lease on the Embassy building.
GilesEngland. Now, that’s what I call presentation. I too was trained in the art by Showman Chief Roy Roberts at the Embassy Tenterden. The former Shipman & King Theatre was a small art deco cinema that had charm. We cranked up the presentation with stage lighting and special effects from the projection room. Non-sync was timed to the second and various lens were used in roadshow presentations to adjust the huge screen with motorised top and side masking. Our last working relationship came with the State Theatre Grays. A 2200 seater with full working stage and Compton Organ. Sadly, this beautiful old Grade 11* listed cinema has been left to rot and it’s future is still uncertain. Like yourself, I have been privileged to work, not just projecting films but giving the public that something extra. Showmanship.
The Odeon Sevenoaks.
Very similar frontage to the former S & K Embassy Cinema in Tenterden. Kent.
Imposing indeed. The interior must have been quite something.
Nice little set up, but where are the tabs.
Please tell me, why is it fashionable not to have screen tabs these days.
No comment
The chief projectionist was the late Jim Frostick. Some years after the Regent closed, he became the 2nd operator at the State Grays. Mr Frostick passed away in 2011. The assistant operator was Ken Butler, who still lives in the town. Mr Butler also became a part time projectionist at the State Grays.
This art house cinema is under threat of closure , the local council want to take charge which means the cinema operators will have to find a new venue before the summer 2012.
What a shame the former Embassy has no mention.
I worked at Shipman & King’s Astoria 69-70. The two cinemas were part of the EMI Group. We used to share the Pathe News. The Astoria screened the news at the start of the programme and was taken to the Regal for a mid programme screening. We were offered bus fare money for the mile each way but kept the small change and walked. I used to enjoy the late night films at the Regal, afterwards a drink at the Mecca Ballroom next door.
I became the second projectionist at the Astoria Purley in December 1969 after being transfered from the Embassy Cinema Tenterden. Kent. Chief Projectionist Roy Roberts and myself were a team of four operators. The other two were second (Richard (Dick) Rapley) and a third operator from the Ritz Brixton. (Mr Hunter) was the manager at the time and I remember two usherettes, (Dawn Preston), and a (Mrs Marston). Somehow, I never took a liking to this cinema, and after only twelve months, left with Chief Roy Roberts to run the State Theatre Grays, Essex.
Why are British Pathe clips so expensive ?
I will second that. My home cinema has more style.
Nice theatre but the tabs are so thin, you can see the screen behind.
I hate a screen that’s not masked. They should have motorised top masking to mask Panavision 2.25.
Seats from the ABC Ipswitch were removed on closure and re installed in the State Cinema Grays, Essex. About six people , including myself made three journeys in a removel van. It was back breaking work but worth it.
This photograph shows how the Embassy Cinema Tenterden might look as a twin screen venue. Although the interior has been gutted, the building could house a two or three screen digital cinema. However, this looks doubtful as the building is occupied by M&Co. The nearby town of Ashford (twelve miles) are planning to expand their multiplex because of increased custom. Instead of Tenterden cinema goers travelling to Ashford, Cineworld need to run an off shoot and manage the three screen operation in Tenterden. It depends on how long M&Co hold the lease on the Embassy building.