Plaza Cinema, Stockport
| Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre | |
|---|---|
 The stage of the restored cinema | |
  Location within Greater Manchester | |
| General information | |
| Town or city | Stockport |
| Country | England, UK |
| Coordinates | 53°24′41″N 2°09′26″W / 53.4113°N 2.1572°W |
| Construction started | 1932 |
| Completed | 1933 |
| Opening | 7 Oct 1932 |
| Owner | Stockport Plaza Trust |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Brick, clad in faïence to front, with internal structural steelwork.[1] |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | W. Thornley |
| Other information | |
| Seating capacity | 1317 (seated) |
| Website | |
| http://www.stockportplaza.co.uk/index.php | |
The Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre cinema in Stockport, England (grid reference SJ895905) opened in 1932 and is now a Grade II* listed building.[2] After being a bingo hall for many years, it has now been restored as a cinema and theatre, showing classic films and staging live shows.[1]
In 2009, volunteers embarked on an restoration of The Plaza to its original configuration in 1932. Most of the façade has now been unveiled and sports new name sign as well as red and green side panels, all constructed with neon lighting. The entire face has also been completely restored to its original cream ensemble.
Since 2011 it has been the annual host to the Screen Stockport Film Festival.
Building History
The front façade of the Plaza Cinema
1929 (April)
- First Planning application made to Stockport Borough Council for the construction of Cinema, Mersey Square, Stockport.
1931
- Construction of the Regal Cinema, Altrincham, designed by Drury and Gomersall for the Snape Cinema Circuit.
1932 (Oct)
- Cinema opens in Stockport
1937
- Front Circle rake altered, balcony front raised, stage level raised
1949
- Seven day programme introduced (same film for 7 days)
1953 (Aug)
- Large 48ft.x 18ft. projection screen installed
1953
- Stockport’s first 3D film presentation at - “Sagaree”
1954
- first ‘Cinemascope’ presentation
1965 (July)
- purchased by the Mecca Group
1966 (Dec)
- closes as a cinema
1967
- Modifications to the auditorium to accommodate bingo; removal of roof tiling, loss of external verandah, neon lighting & signage. Flat floor insertion at rear of stalls, and alterations to foyer. Alterations to café area.
1967 (Feb)
- reopens as a Bingo Hall
1997 (Mar)
- Cinema listed grade II by English Heritage
1999
- Cinema closes as a Bingo Hall
2000 (Aug)
- listing upgraded to II* by English Heritage
2000
- Purchased by the Stockport Plaza Trust, first restorations started, and re opened for live shows and vintage film presentations.First cinema show in December 2000 featured a performance of 42nd St which had been the first film shown at the Plaza in 1932. There was also a variety performance, and Nigel Ogden of Radio 2's The Organist Entertains played the Compton Organ for a 1930's style singalong before the screening.( The organ had been found to be in full working order, only needing the power switched on to be used.)
2005
- Further restoration plans begin
2007
- The Heritage Lottery Fund approves an application for funding of £1.9m towards further restoration of the Plaza
2009
- (Feb)
- Jimmy Carr officially closes the Plaza with two sell out shows and work begins on Restoration and Refurbishment of the Stockport Plaza
- (May)
- 'Plaza on Tour' commences - a host of events in alternative venues throughout the region during the Plaza's closure
- (Dec)
- The Plaza reopens following a £3.2 million restoration
2010 (Jan)
- 10 Years On Show featuring Plaza Volunteers and Youth, Joe Loss Orchestra and local talent staged to celebrate 10 Years on the saving of the Plaza.
2012 (Apr)
- Plaza obtains a venue licence enabling it to host wedding ceremonies, Louise Burchell & Ben Wainwright become the first to be wed at the Plaza Theatre, Stockport.[4]
2013
- Front Circle rake restored and balcony front lowered to original design, stage surface renewed
2014 (Jul/Aug)
- Brand new art deco seating cast from the original designs for the entire auditorium, removing the mixed origin seating. [5]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Plaza Cinema, Stockport". Images of England. Retrieved 2008-08-14.
- ↑ "Statutory Listing - Former Plaza Cinema". Stockport Historic Environment Database. Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council. Retrieved 5 April 2010.
- ↑ "Plaza History". Stockport Plaza Trust. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
- ↑ Stockport Express. 11 April 2012 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/news/s/1490948_stage-is-set-for-couples-musical-marriage-service-at-stockport-plaza. Retrieved 6 May 2012. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ http://www.stockportplaza.co.uk/news/86/165/Take-a-Seat-or-two-or-two-hundred/
External links
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