GALLERY- August 2007

This month we feature the Scala, Rotherham, with its Conacher Organ, photos taken in 1980.

Photos, description and slide show courtesy (and Copyright) Yorkshire Cinema Historian, Colin Sutton.

Regal/Odeon/Scala Rotherham

Brief History by Colin Sutton
(Bradford & Shipley Cinemas Historian)

Plus a bonus automatic slideshow to download (see below the images).

Opened in 1934 as the Regal. Leased to Lou Morris Theatres.
Purpose built in red brick. 1850 seats (1,100 stalls, 750 circle).
Restaurant on first floor. Projection room at rear of stalls.
3-manual 9-rank Conacher organ installed on lift.
Tommy Dando as first resident organist.
During second world war leased to Odeon Theatres.
Name changed to Odeon in 1946.
CinemaScope installed March 1954.
Restaurant later became a ballroom dance studio.
Late 1975 taken over by Twainville Ltd, renamed Scala.
Conacher organ restored and concerts reinstated.
Cinema closed September 1983.
Later used for bingo and organ removed.

My more detailed history of the Regal/Odeon/Scala and its Conacher
organ with photographs can be found at . . .
www.kingsdr.demon.co.uk/rotherham/scala.htm

Exterior view from Corporation Street.

Proscenium viewed from circle.

Conacher organ console and illuminated surround.

GB Kalee projectors.

Automatic Slideshow
More high resolution colour photos of the cinema and organ as seen in 1980 and presented as an automatic slideshow sequence with special effects can be downloaded here.
The file is approx 5Mb and probably best suited to broadband users.
Just double click to run the sequence of photos.
Press 'F1' for help file of other key actions available.
Pres 'Esc' to quit anytime and return to desktop.
It is something different - please enjoy.

Colin Sutton
August 2007.