The theatre was formally opened Monday 11 March 1929, and was then described as a ‘house of amusement worthy of the town and district. It included five dressing rooms for artistes, and in 1930 was the first Hinckley theatre to install sound. It was the company’s prime venue until sold to Odeon Theatres in 1935. In 1955 it was renamed the Gaumont, and a week later CinemaScope arrived. In 1961 the Odeon in the Borough closed, and the Gaumont was sold to Classic Cinemas chain of London. The Classic Cinema was closed in 1968 and the cinema was reopened as Vogue Bingo and Social Club, later Rainbow Bingo and then Flutters Bingo. Flutters Bingo Club closed on 15th June 2013. At present the site is going to be redeveloped as a supermarket and car park, keeping the old facade.
First visited here with MD earlier in the month, at which time it lay untouched with lots of interesting old features remaining. Fast forward to the end of the month and I was told demolition was underway, so went for a last look. Just gutted I didn't get another visit in before it got trashed, but had no idea they were going to be starting work!
The Final Curtain...
First visited here with MD earlier in the month, at which time it lay untouched with lots of interesting old features remaining. Fast forward to the end of the month and I was told demolition was underway, so went for a last look. Just gutted I didn't get another visit in before it got trashed, but had no idea they were going to be starting work!
The Final Curtain...
