Comments about Essoldo Birkenhead in Birkenhead, GB

rivest266 on June 21, 2021 at 5:53 pm

Grand opening ad posted.

Biffaskin on December 31, 2020 at 4:28 pm

Essoldo swapped bingo operations from the Empire to the Ritz, so initially this was an Essoldo Bingo Club, before it became Ladbroke’s etc.

The_Alley_Cat on October 25, 2016 at 12:10 pm

Stumbled on this site having heard of the death of Bobby Vee who I remember appearing at the Essoldo when I was a teenager. I just wanted to get a fix on the date and find it was as long ago as 1962. I remember it well as the same night I crossed Argyle Street and went into the Majestic (another old cinema and now a Chinese Restaurant!) to see The Beatles! Not a bad night especially as (due to family working in the Majestic) I met them all in the Managers Office during the 2 sets they did.

I also seem to remember seeing Roy Rogers and Trigger and I’m sure it was at the Essoldo – anyone confirm it for me? I think it was about 1955'ish! Bloody hell I’m getting old …

blacky674 on July 26, 2016 at 3:01 pm

Anyone with info/photos who remember the Polish guy (possibly the doorman or foreman), he worked in all from the late 40s – Ritz, Essoldo and then the Classic.

william_tex_d on December 22, 2014 at 9:38 pm

During the period when the cinema was the Essoldo talent competitions were held between the B. Film and the feature film. On one particular evening the acts taking part comprised of two skiffle groups, a classical pianist and various other acts. The names of the groups were the Black Denim Boys and the Quarrymen.Latterly Duke Duval Rockers and The Beatles. The winners of the competition were the Black Denim Boys not as one would have expected the Quarrymen ( this part of the Beatles story seems to have been overlooked), although they went on to do very well didn’t they. The Duke Duval Rockers subsquently played in some very well know venues which included the Cavern Club and the Liverpool Empire with the great Jim Dale. At this time it was thought there was some kudos appearing on the Essoldo the stage being wider than Liverpool Empire.

       It would be heart warming if someone else remembers contest.It would be about 1957-1958.
                        This story should add some interest to the history of what was a beautiful cinema.
                                           Terry Dowker. Duke Duval guitarist.

Mike_Blakemore on December 23, 2013 at 7:57 am

“Billy Fury” Started his Career here… The supporting act did not turn up.. He had asked to see the Promoter to see if he could get future work.. He was auditioned in one of the Exits.. Hmm Ended up n stage that very night.. and the rest is history..

Scouser on December 23, 2013 at 4:18 am

Does anyone know what bands played at the Plaza (B-Head) in the 1960s. Did Marmalade doe a gig there and does anyone know if the Hollies did a gig there? Dates as well please if possible? Kind Regards, Scouser from the one eyed city:)

Simon Overton on April 15, 2011 at 12:15 am

The photograph of the Compton is quite similar to Southampton’s ABC Forum… so pretty with the coloured lights inside and such a unique “Melotone” sound.

Ken Roe on April 14, 2011 at 4:59 pm

A set of vintage photographs of the Ritz Cinema, and some demolition photographs:
View link

CSWalczak on April 14, 2011 at 4:40 pm

A picture of the theatre as a Top Rank Bingo centre: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/333996478.

Essoldo Birkenhead

Claughton Road, Birkenhead, CH41

Claughton Road,
Birkenhead, CH41