The aim of the Going to the Pictures Project has been to help preserve a part of our local cinema heritage by collecting and recording memories from people who used and worked in the local picture houses from the 1930′s to the 1960′s.
Explore this map of 21 local cinemas within a 3 mile radius of the Plaza, from 1930 to 1960.
Opening in the roaring 20′s The Coliseum was a large 1400 seat cinema which had balcony and cafe lounge upstairs for cinema goers to socialise and wait for the silent film screenings to begin
Flyer for the ‘X’ rated film ‘A Guide for the Married Man’
If you got in for the ‘Penny Rush’ you had extra money for sweets – Toms early 1930′s matinee memories
The role that cinema has played in modern society cannot be underestimated. Films have helped to form fashions, fads and opinions, offered views and educated and entertained the masses, whilst providing a place to escape the reality of life.
Patricia remembers The Stella being “a bit posh” and the usherettes going round sprying discinfectant or flit spray during the films in the Palladium
“Our street gang used to go to the REGAL for the ABC Minors, and we sang our heart out….”we are the boys and girls well known as, the members of the…..” after the song was […]
The increased popularity in televisions in the home helped bring about the demise of regular cinema going.
The Going to the Pictures Launch Event gave guests an opportunity to reminisce and take a nostalgic look back at Going to the Pictures.