The lights dim, the projector whirs to life, and the silver screen flickers with anticipation. It's Southampton Film Week, a time to celebrate the magic of cinema in a city that once boasted a constellation of picture palaces.
Yet, as the city embraces this cinematic celebration, it's impossible not to reflect on the stark contrast between Southampton's vibrant cinematic past and its present reality.
Imagine a time when dozens of picture palaces graced its streets, each offering a portal to worlds both real and imagined. Sadly, those days have faded, leaving modern Southampton with a mere shadow of its cinematic past.
Where once a constellation of silver screens illuminated the city, now only Showtime and Harbour Lights remain.
Even Shirley, a district that once boasted four thriving cinemas, now stands devoid of a single big screen.
It's a stark contrast to the golden age of cinema, a time when Southampton residents were spoiled for choice when it came to experiencing the magic of the movies.
Let's take a nostalgic journey back to those glorious days, revisiting ten of Southampton's lost picture palaces, each with its own unique story to tell:
1. The Odeon (75 Above Bar): A grande dame of cinema
Opened in 1934 by the legendary Gracie Fields, this majestic cinema, originally known as the Regal, could accommodate over 2,700 eager viewers.
Its opulent interiors and sweeping balconies were a testament to the grandeur of the cinematic experience.
From classics like "Casablanca" to modern blockbusters like "Jurassic Park," which marked its final screening in 1993, the Odeon reigned supreme for nearly six decades.
2. The Atherley Cinema (309 Shirley Road): A community hub
The Atherley, established in 1912, was more than just a cinema; it was a cornerstone of the Shirley community.
Expanding from a cosy 650-seater to a grand hall for over 1,000 patrons, it witnessed the evolution of cinema, from silent films to the "talkies" that revolutionised the industry.
Sadly, its story ended in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, unable to reopen its doors after the lockdown. It was a bingo hall at the time.
3. The Empire Theatre (French Street & Bugle Street): A Victorian gem
Though its cinematic reign predates living memory, the Empire Theatre holds a special place in Southampton's history.
Opening in 1886, it served as a multi-purpose entertainment venue, hosting theatrical performances and later embracing the burgeoning world of cinema.
However, as purpose-built cinemas emerged, the Empire's star faded, leading to its closure in 1925.
4. The Gaiety (169 High Street): A pioneer of sound
The Gaiety, launched in 1914, was not just a cinema; it was an innovator.
Boasting a full orchestra and 800 seats, it became Southampton's first "talkie" cinema, ushering in a new era of cinematic sound.
Known for its eclectic mix of films, including horror flicks that sent shivers down spines, the Gaiety entertained audiences until its closure in 1956.
5. The Palladium (247 Portswood Road): An intimate affair
Described as "the prettiest picture palace south of London," the Palladium, opened in 1913, offered a more intimate cinematic experience.
With its 650-seat capacity, it provided a cosy setting for audiences to lose themselves in the magic of the movies.
After 45 years of captivating audiences, the Palladium closed its doors in 1958, its building repurposed as a supermarket.
6. The Odeon Leisure World (West Quay Road): A modern entertainment hub
Launched in 1997 as part of the Leisure World complex, this Odeon represented a new generation of cinema.
Alongside a bowling alley, nightclubs, and a live music bar, it offered a complete entertainment package.
After nearly 25 years, Leisure World closed in 2022 to make way for redevelopment, leaving a void in Southampton's entertainment scene.
7. The Woolston Picture Theatre (17-19 Portsmouth Road): A community staple
Serving the Woolston community for 60 years, this 600-seat cinema, which opened in 1913, was a local treasure.
Its final screening, Disney's "The World's Greatest Athlete" in 1973, marked the end of an era.
The building later transitioned into a bingo hall and now houses a gym.
8. Cannon/Cineworld (Ocean Village): A multiplex era
Opened in 1989, this multiplex cinema, with a capacity of 1,650, witnessed several ownership changes, from Cannon to MGM, Virgin, and finally Cineworld.
However, facing stiff competition from larger cinemas, it closed its doors in 2017.
9. The Classic Cinema (98 Above Bar): A Wartime Survivor
Originally known as Cinenews, this cinema, opened in 1937, was renamed Classic a year later.
Despite suffering damage during Second Word War bombing raids, it continued to entertain audiences with its 458-seat capacity.
It later housed the adult picture house Tatler before closing in 1978, its building now occupied by a Burger King.
10. The Forum Cinema/ABC/Cannon (127 Above Bar Street): A changing face
Opened in 1935 with more than 1,900 seats, the Forum, later renamed ABC, adapted to the times, dividing its auditorium into two screens.
It underwent another transformation when Cannon took over in 1986.
Finally, it closed in 1991, becoming a nightclub.
These lost picture palaces represent more than just bricks and mortar; they are repositories of memories, laughter, tears, and shared experiences.
They were places where dreams came alive on the silver screen, where audiences were transported to far-off lands and immersed in captivating stories.
While their physical presence may be gone, their legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember the magic they brought to Southampton.
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