PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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PICTURE LOUNGE After an unsuccessful attempt in 1910 to get permission to convert 11 Old Town Street into a cinema, Theatrical Picture Lounges Ltd of Cannon Street, London, opened a 'New Picture Palace for Stonehouse' at 34 Union Street. It was called simply the Picture Lounge and opened on Saturday May 6th 1911. Described as 'thoroughly up-to-date and luxurious', it had accommodation for 500 patrons and was well ventilated, something of great importance in those days. Indeed, in this particular case it was stated that 'special care has been exercised for the exclusion of draughts'. The exterior of the building had a large dome of coloured glass brilliantly illuminated by electric lights, as was the lantern and the hanging sign bearing the title "Picture Lounge". As was to be expected, much was made of the fact that the operating chamber was fireproofed and set apart from the auditorium but more noteworthy was the description of the screen and pictures as being 'unusually large'. The inaugural performance took place before an invited audience of about 160 principal residents of the Three Towns who enjoyed a programme which introduced 'the elements of travel, humour, industry, and drama'. There was to be a continuous performance from 3 until 11pm with the programme changed twice a week. Prices were to range from 2d for children to 9d, the highest priced seats being apparently in the centre of the hall. Cheaper seats were available after 5.30pm. This price structure was changed later in the year when the children's admission was reduced to 1d but they were admitted only to matinees. Although the building of new cinemas had stopped by the outbreak of the Great War, the changing of names certainly had not. By March 1915 the Picture Lounge had become known as the Lyric Theatre and the licence was held by a Mrs H Farrell of 6 Flora Street.
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