Curzon Cinema

The Picturedrome opened on 21st December 1920 with Victor McLaglen in "The Call of the Road", which was accompanied by Meny’s Celebrated Orchestra. Seating was provided in the auditorium for 1,100 in stalls and circle levels. It became part of the small local circuit operated by Randolph Richards.

The Picturedrome was damaged by German bombs in 1940, but quickly re-opened. It was sold to the Classic Cinemas chain in 1966 and was re-named Curzon Cinema. Classic Cinemas tripled the Curzon cinema and the seating capacities are now:530 in the former circle and two screens in the former stalls seating 236 each.

The Curzon Cinema was closed on 16th January 2020 with Jennifer Hudson in “Cats” playing to an audience of 10 and Emma Thompson in “Last Christmas” playing to an audience of 27. The previous two weeks had not seen one customer! With almost a year to go for its 100th birthday, the new 8-screen Cineworld in The Beacon shopping centre, which opened on 12th July 2019, is blamed for the closure of the Curzon Cinema.

Recent comments (view all 5 comments)

Ken Roe on July 8, 2008 at 9:51 pm

The Curzon Cinema, photographed in April 2006:
http://flickr.com/photos/guardianista/126025798/

Ian on July 9, 2008 at 10:51 pm

Photos of the Curzon here(various dates):–

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thomastace on December 28, 2019 at 9:14 pm

This cinema has just been put on the market for just over £2 million as a commercial site. It is rumored to be closing at the end of the summer 2020 unless a buyer who wishes to continue the concern comes forward. It is felt that the new cinema nearby has killed the business. If this happens it will miss its centenary by a few months.

Buffer on January 16, 2020 at 7:27 pm

BBC South East Today broadcast an excellent farewell tribute to the Curzon, which closed around 7pm on Thursday 16th January. There had been no patrons in for a fortnight, but for Cats 10 turned up and 27 for the Last Christmas. Staff were interviewed and I took some photos off my TV to mark this sad occasion.

davepring on January 16, 2020 at 9:25 pm

I hope Everyman show an interest in buying the cinema.