The Royalty Cinema - March 2015

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mockingbird

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Mockingbird Shall Go To A Live Cinema Next Time...

So lets start off by saying my heart wasn't into this place, after the stupid entry I just knew something would go wrong and it did within an hour we was all hiding from contractors who occasionally shouted "hello" then the occasional "someones in here" eventually we made ourselves known to them, then they left another hour passed of scrambling around this place in the pitch black, then we heard what sounded like dogs....
Police was now in the building, an sent the furry friend in after us, after it tugged and jumped up at us, attacking one of us more, the policeman strolled in, an demanded questions, "you broke in" "you encouraged my dog to attack" when infact we stood still and kept our arms raised, as the dog seemed to have a thing for jumping up and trying to drag one of us to the floor... the policeman was accompanied by two lovely female police officers, who knew about the access we used, an knew we had done no wrong.. but they still wanted to take one of us down to the station due to "bite marks".

Now I dont now the law on this, but surely the officer would have to have complete control of the dog at all times? an not allow this type of dog to run around an attack without a command given?

Anyway they let us go and my photos are crap of this place, heart wasnt in it, an we moved to the next location, thank you to the two female officers who understood us and knew we was not criminals and knew what our fascination was! :rolleyes:

History

The Royalty Cinema was built in the Art Deco style for local independent company Selly Oak Pictures Limited, and opened on 20th October 1930. Built during the early years of cinema exhibition with sound, the Cinematograph Act of 1927 had attempted to support British filmmaking in the face of the aggressive influence of Hollywood. Musicals and epics became increasingly popular in the 1920s, and evermore opulent and grand theatres were constructed for their exhibition. The Royalty is considered to be one of the finest examples of the work of renowned Birmingham theatre architect Horace G Bradley, and could accommodate almost 1,500 patrons.

The cinema was acquired by the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) chain in March 1935. ABC closed the cinema on 2nd November 1963. It was subsequently converted into a bingo hall, operating first as Gala Bingo and most recently as a Mecca Bingo Club.

The Royalty Cinema was designated a Grade II listed building, both internally and externally, by English Heritage in the summer of 2011, and closed later that year.

In 2012 police raided the cinema and discovered that the attic was being used as a cannabis factory. 40 plants were found, together with 10-15 kilos of dried cannabis leaves.


16813069825_7fca2f6e76_c.jpgIMGP6503 by Mockingbird!, on Flickr

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-Anyone wanting to go? not worth the bother if caught trust me or the bite marks....Cheers For Looking- Mockingbird!
 
Yes it is totally illegal to let the dog lose to attack, the *only* time they can do that is if they feel they're in imminent physical danger from you. Good luck getting anything done about it though.

I thought it was Krela, he didnt like the idea when I mentioned "his" dog attacked us, an tried to push to take us to the station for breaking an entry, wasnt until the policewomen stepped in, we much rather wanted to be on our way an move on to other targets. He had no control of the dog in question aswel, an did not arrive in the room with us an the dog for a good 13minutes... Doubt its worth the hassle to even get anything done, but cheers for clearing it up mate.
 
Sounds like you had a bit of an adventure here mate! Definitely not crap shots (speaking as someone who knows a thing or two about crap photos). That first stained glass shot is lovely.
 
Sounds like you had a bit of an adventure here mate! Definitely not crap shots (speaking as someone who knows a thing or two about crap photos). That first stained glass shot is lovely.

Thanks it was an adventure mate, didnt mind it but my photos show a lack of interest, dont put your photos down mate, we all have a different taste/style ect. Cheers! :D
 
The stained glass is gorgeous, and some lovely features too.
Maybe a nice juicy steak would be a good idea for anyone going. Sounds a scary ordeal, I would have been swearing like a mad woman :)

Cheers missy, not much you can do in that situation, other than wait for the police officers to walk in, while the dog decides what limp on which person next...
 
Sounds like a nightmare was had here but for you to say your photos are crap from here is not true. I think you done well tbh. I know the person who got attacked, hope shes ok now.
 
Cheers missy, not much you can do in that situation, other than wait for the police officers to walk in, while the dog decides what limp on which person next...

Video it, that's the best thing you can do. If this kind of thing happens to anyone video it, and if the police tell you to turn it off ignore them.
 
Take some dog chewies next time lol or take a can of canine mace. Though not sure if it's legal to carry in uk. Love the stained glass pics
 
It was a tongue in cheek comment about the mace and yes you'd more than likely be arrested if you used it on a police dog. Though am pretty sure to carry a packet of dog chewies is still legal in the uk��
 
the officer has to be in full control of the dog , with ether a long lead on the dog ,or being a few paces behind the dog , the officer also has to give a warning of his intent to use the dog, if he has not done this then if the dog bites anyone , a person could end up sueing the police . the dog is trained to bite ,but the officer has to be following the dog to stop the dog from attacking a person, sorry about long reply
 
Oh gosh, sorry you have had a raw deal but your photos are of immense value and I have really enjoyed viewing them. Delightful old cinema of a bygone era. You have served this site well , " ich dien".......... ( travel with a few doggie chocs!)
 
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