Canterbury Music Hall

Originally the Canterbury Arms pub, it was in use as a small theatre in 1851, it was reconstructed in 1854, and again in 1876 by architect Albert Bridgman. The interior decoration was by E.W. Bradwell and the theatre had a sliding roof designed and patented by Frederick Villiers. It was a very popular (and famous) music hall. Further alterations were carried out by noted theatre architect Frank Matcham in 1890 when the total seating capacity was 1,874-seats. It was reconstructed again in 1902, to the plans of Wylson & Long. Seating was provided for 800-seats in the orchestra stalls, 200-seats in the balcony and 400-seats in the gallery.

The Canterbury Music Hall was equipped to screen films in 1902, when a bio-box was installed. From around 1914, films were becoming the main part of the programming and in 1921 it was taken over by the Hyams brothers when two films were screened and there were three live acts on the stage. It was converted into a full-time cinema in the Hyams circuit from 1927. Hyams circuit was taken over by Denman Theatres chain, who become part of Gaumont British Theatres chain in 1928.

The Canterbury Music Hall was closed in September 1940, due to wartime conditions. It soon re-opened but was closed in 1942 by German bomb damage. It never re-opened, and the wrecked auditorium was demolished in 1955 and became a car park.

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