Odeon Taunton
Corporation Street,
Taunton,
TA1 4AH
Corporation Street,
Taunton,
TA1 4AH
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Grand opening ad posted.
I’ve just seen an old picture of the Odeon Cinema in Taunton which was the Gaumont. I saw many films there during the late 60’s early 70’s but it was a hot house for live bands concerts etc. in 1997 I saw Sparks play there. The were touring following their single of Look Looks Looks from their latest album release “indiscreet” They open the show with Get in the Swing and closed with How you getting home. I still keep in touch with them today.Julian Bishop
Here is an exterior picture of the theatre as the Gaumont from 1931, and here is one of the auditorium taken in the same year.
I lived in Taunton until 1977. I remember two cinemas – the Gaumont and the Odeon and went to the Gaumont for Saturday morning kids films regularly. Yes, the Stranglers did an eraly gig here in 1977 and even David Bowie came here in 1973 I think it was. However, Queen played at the County Hotel not the Gaumont in 1974.
This was also used as a live music venue. I saw The Stranglers here. Queen also played here, I think in 1975. Amongst the films I saw here was “Close Encounters of The Third Kind”
A vintage photograph of the auditorium ceiling of the former Gaumont Palace:
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Hi Matt,
Have you been able to go round the bingo hall? If so I would be very interested to see any pictures or video taken at the time.
It would be great if you could contact me – .co.uk
Many thanks
David Cooper
The former Gaumont/Odeon Taunton, photographed as a Mecca Bingo Club in June 2008;
http://flickr.com/photos/22743973@N08/2557185948/
I have been granted access to the Mecca Bingo hall to view the building fully and will be recording my trip on a digital camera and possibly a video camera as well if anyone is interested in seeing more of this stunning building.
Opened as the Gaumont Palace Theatre on 11th July 1932 with Renate Muller in “Sunshine Susie”. It is considered possibly one of the best designed cinemas by architect William T. Benslyn. Seating was arranged in a semi-stadium plan with no overhanging balcony, but had a seperate raised section at the rear.
In 1937 it was re-named Gaumont Theatre and was re-named Odeon from 1969 until closing on 5th September 1981. Conversion into a Top Rank Bingo Club was completed and opened in November 1981.
It is a Listed Grade II building.