Built for and opened by the County Cinemas chain as the Regal Cinema, it opened on 5th August 1933 (the same date as the city’s new Friars Theatre opened, later to become the Odeon). The opening film was Jack Hulbert in “Falling For You”. The Regal Cinema had a seating capacity of 1,750 in stalls and circle levels. It was equipped with a Compton 3Manual/9Rank organ which was opened by Reginald Foort. There was also a ballroom and a café for the convenience of patrons.
County Cinemas relinquished the building on 4th April 1935 and it was taken over by Associated British Cinemas(ABC) from 29th April 1935. The Regal Cinema was closed on 31st October 1942 due to bomb damage and re-opened in February 1943. It was re-named ABC from August 1963.
Closed on 5th August 1972 for twinning into a cinema bingo operation. The former stalls became a bingo hall with a 536 seat ABC cinema in the former balcony which re-opened on 26th October 1972.
Later re-named Cannon Cinema, the stalls bingo was converted back into cinema use to become Cannon screen 2 from 5th August 1988. Later takeovers have seen name changes to MGM Cinema, back to ABC Cinema and currently Odeon Cinema, with the screens now seating 494 and 381. A Costa Coffee was operating in the main foyer (they have since moved out).
It was closed on March 16, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021 it was used as a Covid vaccination centre. Repairs were being carried out on the roof before the cinema can reopen. It was still closed in March 2022. It was announced by Odeon Theatres on 24th August 2022 that the Odeon will be closed permanently. In late-December 2022 a sign on the building stated it was ‘Available To Let’.
The explore
After being told it was open we decided to go check it out, despite the entry fairly well hidden kids had already gotten in on a return visit the vandalism had gotten worse and there has recently been a party inside and kids attempting to set fires 🙄
Lower rear stage and rooms adjacent some nice paint peel in these ones
Screen 2 on ground floor
Screen 2 projector room
Store rooms full of old merch and posters
Next up the lobby with fire alarms still beeping
Screen 1 unfortunately there was no working lights in this one this had a more grand feeling with the ornate ceiling
The screen 1 projector room on our second visit someone had removed all the fuses from the top floor area so none of the lights were on 🙄
Snack bar and store full of unopened boxes of drinks cups and lunch boxes
I will have to add rest in comments I don't realise im nearly out of room for more pics lol
County Cinemas relinquished the building on 4th April 1935 and it was taken over by Associated British Cinemas(ABC) from 29th April 1935. The Regal Cinema was closed on 31st October 1942 due to bomb damage and re-opened in February 1943. It was re-named ABC from August 1963.
Closed on 5th August 1972 for twinning into a cinema bingo operation. The former stalls became a bingo hall with a 536 seat ABC cinema in the former balcony which re-opened on 26th October 1972.
Later re-named Cannon Cinema, the stalls bingo was converted back into cinema use to become Cannon screen 2 from 5th August 1988. Later takeovers have seen name changes to MGM Cinema, back to ABC Cinema and currently Odeon Cinema, with the screens now seating 494 and 381. A Costa Coffee was operating in the main foyer (they have since moved out).
It was closed on March 16, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021 it was used as a Covid vaccination centre. Repairs were being carried out on the roof before the cinema can reopen. It was still closed in March 2022. It was announced by Odeon Theatres on 24th August 2022 that the Odeon will be closed permanently. In late-December 2022 a sign on the building stated it was ‘Available To Let’.
The explore
After being told it was open we decided to go check it out, despite the entry fairly well hidden kids had already gotten in on a return visit the vandalism had gotten worse and there has recently been a party inside and kids attempting to set fires 🙄
Lower rear stage and rooms adjacent some nice paint peel in these ones
Screen 2 on ground floor
Screen 2 projector room
Store rooms full of old merch and posters
Next up the lobby with fire alarms still beeping
Screen 1 unfortunately there was no working lights in this one this had a more grand feeling with the ornate ceiling
The screen 1 projector room on our second visit someone had removed all the fuses from the top floor area so none of the lights were on 🙄
Snack bar and store full of unopened boxes of drinks cups and lunch boxes
I will have to add rest in comments I don't realise im nearly out of room for more pics lol
