Report - The Empire Cinema - Neath - May 2012

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Explored with Oxygen Thief and Dweeb

Had my eye on this for a while, could have been very good, it wasn't

A prominent building on one of the towns main streets. The Empire Cinema opened in October 1926. Initially it had a programme policy of films and variety, although the stage was not large, it had a 25feet wide proscenium opening. The cinema also had a cafe and a dance hall attached.

In late October 1931 a Christie 2Manual/6Ranks theatre organ was installed and the console was on a lift. It was opened by organist Jack (Coutney) Taylor. In the summer of 1936 the building underwent some re-furbishment and it was closed until November of that year. After the end of the war it was taken over and operated by South Wales Cinemas Ltd. of Swansea (Jackson Withers circuit).

In the early 1960’s it was converted into a bingo club, a use that continues today as the independently operated Empire Bingo Club.

Looks like the roof has been replaced at some point leaving little more than a brick box. Snooker downstairs and bingo above was expected but i had hoped there would be a bit more left in between to make the place a bit more interesting. As it happened the only real area that had not been touched for a while was the old projection rooms. These had a few nice features but unfortunately no epic projector cache. Points for effort. If you go here make extra sure to take photos of the Vauxhall Viva outside.