Plaza Cinema
18 Walliscote Road,
Weston-super-Mare,
BS23 1AA
18 Walliscote Road,
Weston-super-Mare,
BS23 1AA
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On Wednesday 9 August 2023 it was reported that Merlin Cinemas had purchased the cinema that day. The article quoted Councillor Bell who had stated “They’re hoping to reopen the cinema again in the near future and will be developing a short and long-term investment plan to improve the building, including the listed features” and “Merlin has given assurances they will value and promote the organ.”
https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2023-08-09/art-deco-cinema-in-seaside-town-to-reopen-under-new-ownership
More details on the closing here
BBC reports the cinema is due to close as not considered viable (presumably the competition from Cineworld not helpful). It would be great if Everyman or similar could do a York on the site!
In July 2018 I was asked by Claudia Materna, at ODEON, for permission to use my March 1998 images in a display the company was creating, at the cinema, to celebrate this historic movie palace. I was only too pleased to provide this, and the history wall, a permanent installation, was unveiled in October 2018. (It is in the upper foyer.) In these days of ever more futuristic, state-of-the-art all-digital multiplexes (such as ODEON’s own Luxe brand) it is heartening that the company is so mindful of its proud heritage. (Similar history walls have been installed at the ODEONs at Salisbury, Exeter and Glasgow Quay.)
Another exterior view of the theatre from 1935 can be seen here.
More photos including interior photos of large auditorium here:
http://oldcinemas.webplex.co.uk/westonsupermare/
Another photograph taken in 2007, this is a closer view:
http://flickr.com/photos/fray_bentos/492960926/
A close-up of the main entrance:
http://flickr.com/photos/fray_bentos/493024941/
here are a load of shots taken of this amazing cinema taken last weekend, its in very good condition and looks amazing – lots of other nice deco still remaiining elsewhere in the town including the pier
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In the current (2006) configuration the circle is now a separate screen and the front stalls with the proscenium opening, original Odeon clock and organ is screen 4. Organ concerts are held about 5 times per year on Sunday afternoons. A photo taken in 2003 is available here: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/136127
A 1949 exterior photograph of the Odeon here:
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A 1971 exterior photograph here:
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