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Wallasey - Cinemas

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Jase fantastic great to see some old houses..

thanks too (parapiranha) a Member on hear

Good that Jase. Marina, where was that? I used to work with a bloke in the 60's who went on about the Marina.

Hi Chris

If you want more info on old cinemas get in touch. My dad worked at various cinemas throughout Wirral and Liverpool for over 35 years and has many stories. Worked at ABC Argyle St for over 15 years, ended his years as Chief Projectionist at Forum, Liverpool. By the way, do you remeber the cinema that was across the road to were Mc Donalds is now. Was a bingo for a while and a social club before closing in the 70's. Can't remeber what it was called .Gigged their a few times in various bands. Also was the Haige Club in Moreton once a cinema?

big al robbo

Do you mean the Astor which was on the corner of Claughton Road and Atherton Street? The Astor was Birkenhead's first music hall, it opened on 21st January 1862. The music hall became a cinema in 1914, first called the Claughton Picture House and then the Astor. In 1957 it became Birkenhead's first major bingo club. It closed in 1981 and was demolished in March 1982, because the building was 'unsafe'. It was, therefore, also the last of Birkenhead's music halls to be demolished.

anyone have any info on the avenue cinema that was bombed duuring the war and never re-opened

Here's a map of Charing Cross from 1936. I've marked the position of Mc.Donald's & the Astor & Roxy cinemas. I don't remember ever going to the Astor, but went to the Roxy a couple of times; it was one of those where you came out itching.

Cheers, Chris.

I remember the Roxy, I used to go there for Sat matinee. Flash Gordon or Hopalong Cassidy. And yes it was called the FleaPit, it was the best. That would have been late fifties, mid sixties it was a supermarket.
The Astor did turn into a dance hall/night club thingy. Many a great night in there. I think. Thigs get a bit hazy after 40years. Oh well.....

There is also an old cinema in Heswall, it is now the Lloyd's pharmacy. they use the old screen area as a store room.

Was it the "King's Cinema" in Heswall?

I'm far too young to young to know that, but I'll have a look about next time I'm over that way and see if I can see anything on the brick work.

Here is a list and maps showing dates opened and closed,
seating capacity of various cinemas on the Wirral

more cinemas

great, really enjoyed all thet, do you have any history on what I knew as the Classic on Conway street, or what is now the Chinees buffet bar ? I think was a cinema, and I believe at some point the Beatles played there.....
Cheers