Palace Cinema

This was the first cinema to close in Banbury followed by the Grand. The Palace was entered by a walk through a long hall, at least you didn`t have to queue in the rain. On entering the cinema there was a large staircase on the right up to the balcony, and, projection room. The cash desk was situated in the right hand corner of the foyer along with the array of confectionary, through a door on the left hand side of the kiosk was the main stalls entrance. The projection room was accessed through a door on the left of the large vestibule when walking through to the balcony area. Upon opening the projection room door, you were met with a spiral staircase and at the top of it, around 20 steps, or so, was the rewind platform, with a window overlooking the main Banbury market place.it was a small projection suite. Was always packed on children’s Saturday morning club, news reels were shared between the 3 cinemas, as they were only around ¼ mile between each. The chief projectionist did sack one of the projection staff for making a hack of one of the adverts, it was a babycham advert, ending in those immortal words, “ Id love a Babycham” the projectionist for a laugh, removed the word “cham” exit stage left!.when chief found out. It became a toy shop for many years, then as it is now, a bank. Google old Banbury cinemas, and you should find a picture of it.