Plaza Theatre
Mersey Square,
Stockport,
SK1 1SP
Mersey Square,
Stockport,
SK1 1SP
17 people favorited this theater
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During my recent research into the original owners for a booklet about the Ambassador in Salford, I discovered that the Plaza was the final new-build cinema constructed by the Ambassador Cinema Circuit. Remarkably, it is also the last remaining building from that circuit still in existence today. The very first was the Ambassador Super Cinema, which opened in Salford in 1928.
Prominently featured, exterior & interior including the balcony/circle and stage in new 3 part TV series “Nolly” In 2011, I had the pleasure of visiting this fantastic, restored Art Deco movie palace, when I visited Manchester for a few days. I saw an awesome, local, live production of “My Fair Lady” The website today has a list of regular films: classic, new, and a film festival, and specifies that people can get discounts via a film membership. The Plaza Stockport is an incredible gem, honoring its heritage and community in every which way!
Some more recent images following further restoration to the circle area – taken August 2018:–
EXTERIOR
ORGAN
STAGE FROM STALLS
AUDITORIUM FROM BALCONY
AUDITORIUM FROM STAGE
In a way, the Plaza was the Odeon of Stockport, as it ran the current Rank releases at the same time as the Rank Odeon’s.
Following a recent visit to the Plaza, I`ve never seen such a beautiful theatre..
To contrast with the above pictures, here are two photos of the Plaza as a Mecca Bingo Hall, taken in 1988:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4530010271/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4530643246/
Four more images from the same day as the ones above:-
Paybox:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4205090039/
Organ:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4205089851/
Stage:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4205849396/
View from rear stalls:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4205090209/
The great thing with this theatre is that the people working there LOVE the building and are so proud of it – this really is apparent to visitors.
The work just completed is not the end of the restoration – new projects are still in the pipeline to further enhance the Plaza. This one of just a handful of “super-cinemas” remaining in the UK where you can still enjoy a movie with full 1930’s atmosphere.
Great exciting article from Stockport Express.
View link
Great pics.Thanks Ian for putting them on.
Photographs of the restored Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre , taken within a week of reopening in December 2009 can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4194036567/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4194036779/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4194792012/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4194792286/
It really is a stunning building and the LED Holophane lighting is amazing!
Photographs of the Plaza Theatre on its re-opening night 11th December 2009:
View link
I agree, RobertR.
What a beautiful place, may it last forever !!
I am glad to learn that this beautiful theatre have been restored and reopened as a theatre and cinema.
Fantastic website as above, they are showing films and live theatre and have a volunteer night on tuesdays.