Cannon Chester

I began my career at this cinema on 8th April 1962. The Manager was Douglas Baker. The projection team was headed by Hugh Price Jones (the Chief), Charles Jones (2nd), Derek Moore (3rd), Ronnie Evans (4th), and 2 probationers- Geoff Williams, and myself, Peter Davies.
The training of the projectionists at this cinema was both intense and thorough in theory and practical application. A room was set aside near the stage end for the projectionists to complete their weekly course work. The projection suite of rooms was well maintained and immaculately presented, which set the standard that I continued with throughout my 47 years in the cinema business.
On Sundays, films carrying an “X” cert, or ones deemed unsuitable for showing on the day of rest, were replaced with one day only films such as “The Incredible Shrinking Man” or “The Blob”, which were usually shown to full houses of 2,016 (the seating capacity increased from the original figure of 1,973.
During 1963, the cinema had a major refurbishment, which took over three months for the redecoration alone. The ornate plaster work was hand painted by specialists in gold, beige, coffee, and green. New seating, drapes and carpets throughout completed this stunning transformation.
In line with many large cinemas of that time, it was decided to pursue live stage shows once or twice a week. A major problem at this cinema was that there was no grid in the stage roof to enable the huge screen frame to be lifted (flown). Therefore, towards the end of 1963 work began to remove the original timber beams in the stage roof, replacing them with steel girders that would enable the complicated counter balance gear to be installed so that the screen could be lifted a distance of 17 foot from the stage, also several lines/barrels could be hung to attach borders, legs, spot bars and lighting battens. The stage shows were a success, and included not only pop groups, but local productions and ballet. Behind the scenes it was difficult as although the stage was wide, it lacked depth. Often it was described as a long corridor. Artists having to cross over outside backstage, as there was not enough room between the final back cloth and the stage wall. The stage shows continued into the 70s.
The Gingham Kitchen that was opened in the entrance hall during the mid 60s was the first premises to use microwave cookers in the UK, and was featured on Pathe News titled “Cooking by Radar”.
The cinema was in general, well maintained during this decade and into the 70s. A poorly designed conversion took place which removed the character of this once triple A grade cinema.
When Associated British Cinemas sold the circuit, I decided to move across to Chester Odeon in 1971 where I took charge as Chief Projectionist in 1977. I have remained with Odeon to the present day having worked at several Odeons around the North West, including the opening of Bromborough & Wrexham (2) multiplex cinemas where I am at present Technical Manager.

I have just found this site… a real trip down memory lane for me. I used to work there as a trainee manager under Doug Baker before moving on to the ABC Deansgate in Manchester. Quote from above …The Gingham Kitchen that was opened in the entrance hall during the mid 60s was the first premises to use microwave cookers in the UK, and was featured on Pathe News titled “Cooking by Radar”… if you have seen this then you have seen me, I was the “Star” of the day.

Tony Rawson

Reopened as a twin on May 29th, 1980, along with the social club downstairs. Ads posted.