During a visit in late September, 2016 the Odeon was the only venue showing films, the Theatre Royal had nothing posted, and the film shows at the Ritz are periodic hence its omission from the CTA cinema listings
According to the Star dated 19th October, 1980 the furniture company was haunted by the ghost of the former projectionist who started at the cinema when it opened. Both a former manager and junior projectionist claim the phantom must be Mr Potter, who devoted his life to the cinema.
Looking at the List of McDonalds in Manchester area, I found McDonalds Rialto. Naturally it is disappointing to find the cinema has gone, but the name lives on!
Phoenix Paranormal Investigations, who investigated the cinema on 26th February 1999, reported that despite the £200,000 spent on tripling, back stage sewerage was leaking into the old band rooms, and the area was rat infested. The brickwork was tatty and crumbling, the walls were cracked and the paintwork dirty and peeling. The whole building look rough and beyond its usefulness.
The M Club was thoroughly explored by Spirit Cheshire (Psychic Investigators) who gave a full and accurate description of each floor and took many photos. Their visit is also on You Tube. I will be surprised if Sainsburys go ahead, knowing non events elsewhere.
This is quite difficult to find, if approaching from a lower level. Use an escalator to the third floor just short of the upmarket Harvey Nicholls store. The initial impression is of a bar/ diner, but not for once a Costa.
Sainsburys have sold the site to Churchill Retirement homes and 49 flats are due to be begun this summer. The Odeon is not expected to be around much longer.
An affectionate tribute to this cinema was broadcast on Radio 4 at 11.30am on 11th March, 2003. I taped it. The date and last film agree with that given above.
A Presbyterian minister pronounced a curse on the cinema for showing “Jesus Christ, superstar”. Technically it was due to breach of fire regulation but the curse was believed to be the true cause of the Playhouse closing weeks after the curse.
Scottish Ghosts (1995) says the cinema was haunted by a man who had committed suicide by jumping from the balcony in theatre days. He was called Oscar by staff.
Both the staff at Cinemac and a waiter at Revolution tell me the balcony survives above the restaurant/bar and is locked off.
During a visit in late September, 2016 the Odeon was the only venue showing films, the Theatre Royal had nothing posted, and the film shows at the Ritz are periodic hence its omission from the CTA cinema listings
On passing in late September, 2016 there were no bills or advertising of future programmes outside the theatre
According to the Star dated 19th October, 1980 the furniture company was haunted by the ghost of the former projectionist who started at the cinema when it opened. Both a former manager and junior projectionist claim the phantom must be Mr Potter, who devoted his life to the cinema.
As of July, 2016 the big screen remains in situ as Mr Hoult cannot find a suitable place to relocate it, but no use has been made of the building
The photo also featuring the no.2 bus was taken in 1966
The film Von Ryans Express may have been the last and was released in 1965
The above book contains 3 more shots of the demolition of the Hale, but does not reveal the date.
The Royal Mail were to use Budgens as a Post Office but have not moved into Sainsburys. Instead they are looking at a local church.(May 2016)
The organ which had been played among others by Norman Crocker, was not removed before the fire so was also lost.
The Last film was Von Ryans eExpress
Looking at the List of McDonalds in Manchester area, I found McDonalds Rialto. Naturally it is disappointing to find the cinema has gone, but the name lives on!
There is now a third screen, with no disabled access like screen 2 (old balcony) so presumably at that level.
Phoenix Paranormal Investigations, who investigated the cinema on 26th February 1999, reported that despite the £200,000 spent on tripling, back stage sewerage was leaking into the old band rooms, and the area was rat infested. The brickwork was tatty and crumbling, the walls were cracked and the paintwork dirty and peeling. The whole building look rough and beyond its usefulness.
What about the tower- the most prominent feature?. Has the space inside being used for any purpose?
The M Club was thoroughly explored by Spirit Cheshire (Psychic Investigators) who gave a full and accurate description of each floor and took many photos. Their visit is also on You Tube. I will be surprised if Sainsburys go ahead, knowing non events elsewhere.
This is quite difficult to find, if approaching from a lower level. Use an escalator to the third floor just short of the upmarket Harvey Nicholls store. The initial impression is of a bar/ diner, but not for once a Costa.
Wetherspoon News for Winter 2015/16 pictures the pub and says a special “Reel” Ale has been in Newark for them.
Sainsburys have sold the site to Churchill Retirement homes and 49 flats are due to be begun this summer. The Odeon is not expected to be around much longer.
An affectionate tribute to this cinema was broadcast on Radio 4 at 11.30am on 11th March, 2003. I taped it. The date and last film agree with that given above.
A Presbyterian minister pronounced a curse on the cinema for showing “Jesus Christ, superstar”. Technically it was due to breach of fire regulation but the curse was believed to be the true cause of the Playhouse closing weeks after the curse.
The former cinema is recessed from the square and missed by Google earth. The business card shows what the remaining frontage looks like as a café.
The window shown is the one on far right of exterior view. Taken in 1985
Scottish Ghosts (1995) says the cinema was haunted by a man who had committed suicide by jumping from the balcony in theatre days. He was called Oscar by staff.
According to Scottisharchitects.org.uk the cinema was opened in 1937 and the architect was Alexander Cattaanch like the Regal of similar date