Albert Hall Cinema
Cradock Street,
Swansea,
SA1 3EP
Cradock Street,
Swansea,
SA1 3EP
1 person
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Jackson Withers Circuits, Rank Organisation
Architects: Charles Tamlin Ruthen
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- Mar 25, 2011 — Fight to re-open Grand Hall
- Feb 21, 2007 — Mecca Bingo closures
Just off the Kingsway in Swansea city centre, this is a very imposing building on Cradock Street. Facade is pretty much as it has always been. From what I remember going there as a child the interior was much like an old music hall with a very deep steep circle with two ‘arms’ reaching towards the screen / stage.
If my memory serves me correctly it showed its final movie in about the early-1980’s. I remember queuing to see the Welsh premier of “Jaws” for four hours here. On my next visit I’m going to ask if I can see inside and take a few photos.
The Mecca Bingo Club operation at the Albert Hall Cinema closed in March 2007.
Contributed by
Ian Howells
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Recent comments (view all 46 comments)
Great view showing the wonderful decor.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/curtians/2220797790/
View to stage from mid stalls.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/curtians/2219999071/
The Albert Hall (Swansea) and the Plaza (Cardiff) were the two flagship cinemas of the Jackson Withers circuit. Whilst I worked in the Warner Pathe Vaults, the company always made a point of repair shop checking any print that was to go to these cinemas.
As far as the Withers projectionists were concerned, you had reached the top flight of the local projectionists ladder if you could secure a position at the Albert. The Albert being considered far more projectionist friendly than the strictly run Plaza under the managership of Dai John.
THe building is slowly starting to look in a very sad state.
Plaster work is coming of the main front at pavement level and trees are growing at the higher levels. Also, there are barricades along the side of the building to prevent passersby being hit by falling bricks.
Anyone have any news on the future of this stunning building?
A shot of the Albert Hall in 1989:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5067272462/
My fight to bring the Albert Hall back o the people of Swansea has begun.
Any help anyone can offer in the long trek ahead will be very welcome.
View link
Is the Albert’s projection box, complete with projectors, still intact? In the early 1960s it was regarded by Withers projectionists as being the best positioned box South Wales.
Have there been any attempts to make the Albert a listed building?
The Albert Hall projection box was converted into the staff room for the bingo staff. The Albert Hall is a listed building, since 1987.
Here is a website i have opened up to start a campaign going to get the glorious Albert Hall reopen again. Any feedback would be appreciated and used. I need as much info as possible. http://www.spanglefish.com/swanseasalberthallreborn/index.asp?pageid=349183
March 2012 picture. The disintegration of the rendering is revealing the original stone façade
ALBERT HALL