Odeon Sunderland
44 Holmeside,
Sunderland,
SR1 3JE
44 Holmeside,
Sunderland,
SR1 3JE
4 people
favorited this theater
Showing 26 - 38 of 38 comments
I now know that there was a second concert at the Odeon to commemorate the 50th Anniversary and this was when Phil Kelsall was the guest organist. I was obviously unable to attend this event – probably because I was in Chester at the time. I have uploaded a photo (courtesy Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society) relating to the second event in the relevant section.
Photo and cutting relating to the theatre’s 50th Anniversary celebrations uploaded to the relevant section. I make reference to the organist being Douglas Reeve and not Phil Kelsall as reported in the article. Perhaps someone can shed some light here…
The 1200 seat screen 1 consisted of 737 seats in the former circle with the remainder of the capacity occupying the front stalls which was only very occasionally opened as an overflow area. I thought I would mention this just in case anyone imagined that it had a 1200 seat circle…….
Ah, such sweet memories. When I was a kid we used to I used to look forward to the saturday matinees at the Odeon. It was a tanner to get in and if it was your birthday you went on stage to get a goody bag. I saw many great films at this theatre and I always remember that there were two entrances to the theatre because it was so huge. Much better than the multiplex cubicles you get now. I think that this building should be listed as the inside decor was wonderfully art deco.
will be devasting if the grand old building comes down as it has so much character. Would anyone know if we are able to view or tour?
It was also lovely to look, (perhaps for a last glimpse) the almighty Paramount/Odeon Newcastle. Again the new owners have made sure it is depleted of anything so they can make money. These people just buy the cinema circuits to sell them off to make money. The heritage of these buildings has gone forever. We used to call the Rank Organisation (being an ex Independant Cinema owner), but you knew that Rank had the business at heart really, and now of course we really miss the group as it was. Thanks again for such a nostalgic look at these wonderful Cinemas.
Four more photo’s, including a detail of one of the “dancing ladies”, taken in August 2010 here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4909855308/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4909255205/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4909854908/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4909254753/
The entire building is now threatened with demolition to facilitate a road widening scheme which only requires part of the long narrow entrance hall.
excellent!many thanks for taking the time in writing that – any more?I only remeber after the alterations – when it re-opened and I was gob smacked at how beautiful Odeon 1 was and how I wanted to have a look around behind the scenes!The mighty organ at the Saturday morning club , being played.
I also never realised how good the old Ritz/ABC looked prior to being ripped apart!
Photos taken in June 2009 here:–
Exterior:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3685982783/
Interior:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3686787224/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3686787616/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3685982479/
Sorry forget them two posts and try these links which will take you direct to the interesting videos!
Odeon Sunderland Ghost Odeon Sunderland Orbs
Added
6:40[TRANSLATED] Odeon Sunderland Part 1 [TRANSLATED] Odeon Sunderland Part 1
Video story depicting the ghost story of 1972 and the orbs on 14 Nov 2008 …
Interesting videos from ex-staff detailing how the old cinema is haunted.Also shows the interior and its awful colours now as a bingo hall.Excellent and well worth a look;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHpzu6s7Y
Are there any inside pictures available?