Playhouse Cinema

In Dumfries, in the Dumfries and Galloway district of Scotland, the Mechanics Institute opened on 12th December 1861.

The main hall was an early venue for travelling cinema shows, with the Royalist Phono Bioscope Company presenting an ‘animated picture show’ in December 1901.

By 1922, at least, it had been converted into the full-time Playhouse Cinema. According to the 1923 Kinematograph Year Book, at that time the Playhouse was operated by Scottish Cinema and Variety Theatres, the manager was John Darlison and there was one show nightly (with three on Saturdays).

Trade paper ‘The Bioscope’ reported on 7th May 1930 that “Following upon a report that the Chief Constable has presented to Dumfries magistrates, the Playhouse is not likely to have its licence renewed”. So clearly there were issues, and then there was also the coming of sound.

Rather than carrying out remedial work at the Playhouse, ABC (of which Scottish Cinema and Variety Theatres was a subsidiary) had already found an alternative site, where they would open the Regal Cinema in December 1931 (see separate Cinema Treasures entry).

It is not known how long the Mechanics Institute continued with its other activities, but the building was, at some time, closed and demolished.

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