(4 of 18)
Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington, WA1 6PT.
Opened 11 July 1910. Closed and demolished 1952.
1 screen. 600 seats (another source say 1,188 seats).
The Grand Electric Theatre was opened on 11 July 1910 (another source says 1913). It was re-named the New Grand Cinema from 13 November 1922. Taken over by the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) chain in December 1930, Western Electric sound equipment was installed and it was re-named the New Grand Super Cinema. The Grand was particularly attractive to courting couples. It had double seats, which would allow for a kiss and a cuddle without the arm of the seat coming between them.
ABC sold the cinema to a group of local businessmen in 1940, and as the Grand Cinema it was closed by them in March 1952 [another source says 13 Aug 1952] when the final film was “Fury of the Congo”.
My dad tells me the story that every time a train went past the whole building shook.
It was demolished to widen the road and the bridge.
Contributed by Ken Roe. Additional information by Gordon Gandy.
- My thanks to Mr Bolton for originally reminding me about The Grand at Wilderspool Causeway.
mywarrington 