Odeon (Paramount) (Manchester)

• Theatre ID
  2084
• Built / Converted
  1930
• Dates of use
  • 1930 - 1974: (with films)
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  dark (Multi-screen cinema)
• Address
  Oxford Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England

Details

The theatre was built in 1930 by the Paramount Film Company of America. The architects Verity & Beverley, who had spent two years studying theatre design in America, were commissioned to build the Plaza in London as part of the Lower Regent Street redevelopment. The company decided to build a magnificent theatre in the North of England, and, having previously leased the Theatre Royal, built the theatre in Manchester. The stone-faced façe of four bays offered a dignified street frontage, with canopy the full width. Built on three levels, one a mezzanine. The internal decoration of the foyers and auditorium was a free treatment of the Baroque, with a huge rounded proscenium, and an almost ‘atmospheric’ effect of an open sky on the ceiling. The stage productions were Francis A Mangan creations, already famous at the Plaza in London and the Paramount in Paris, accompanied by a full orchestra. It has the finest Wurlitzer theatre organ in Europe. Full-size orchestra pit, and stage facilities. The theatre, acquired in 1941 by Rank, passed to Odeon, and was subdivided in 1974. However, the stage, proscenium, ceiling and foyer areas were left intact, though some parts are now obscured. It continues to operate as a multi-screen cinema, but could be restored to its original form.

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• Events
  • Owner/Management: Hospital Trust (London), freeholder
  • Owner/Management: Paramount Manchester Theatre Ltd, proprietor
  • 1930 - 1974 Use: (with films)
  • 1930 Design/Construction:
    • F Verity & S Beverley - Architect
  • 1930 Design/Construction:
    • Robert Hope-James (organ builder) - Consultant: Wurlitzer
    • Knight & Co - Consultant: Fire Curtain
    • Waring & Gillow - Consultant: Furnishings And Seating
  • 1941 Owner/Management: Rank, proprietor
  • 1974 Alteration: auditorium subdivided
    • Odeon house architect - Architect
• Capacities
  • Original: 3000
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Proscenium