ABC Windsor

59-60 Thames Street,
Windsor, SL4 1TX

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Associated British Cinemas Ltd., S.M. Super Cinemas, Ltd., Union Cinema Co. Ltd.

Architects: Robert Cromie

Styles: Neo-Georgian

Previous Names: Playhouse, Carousel Cinema

Nearby Theaters

ABC Windsor

Located on Thames Street, opposite the historic Sir Christopher Wren’s house. The Playhouse was built as a cinema for the Lou Morris chain and opened on 26th December 1928. Seating was provided in stalls and circle levels. The proscenium was 36 feet wide and the stage 12 feet deep. It was equipped with a Compton 2Manual/5Ranks organ with had an illuminated console on a life in the centre of the orchestra pit. It was opened by organist Edward O'Henry.

In June 1930 it was taken over by the Southan Morris chain, and in May 1933, it underwent some modernisation. Taken over by the Union Cinemas chain in 1935, they were taken over by the Associated British Cinemas(ABC) chain in October 1937.

The Playhouse was re-named ABC in 1961, and in April 1971, was refurbished into a ‘Luxury Lounge’ operation, using only the stalls seating area, which had been refitted with 528 new seats. ABC closed the cinema in November 1982, and it was taken over by a member of Billy Smart’s Circus and re-opened as the Carousel Cinema with "ET- The Extra Terrestrial" in January 1983. It was not a success, and the Carousel Cinema was closed in July 1983, and the building was sold. It was demolished in July 1984 and an office block was built on the site.

Contributed by Ken Roe
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