Olympia (Glasgow)

• Theatre ID
  2312
• Built / Converted
  1911
• Dates of use
  • 1911 - 1924
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  disused (formerly converted to furniture warehouse)
• Address
  Orr Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G40 1BN, Scotland

Details

Only the imposing landmark ashlar façe of the theatre survives, the interior having been rebuilt as a cinema in the 1930s in streamline mode. Cleverly occupying a fan-shaped site, the principal external feature is the curved corner entrance with giant attached Ionic columns above the first floor and a dome with four ocular windows around its base rising from the parapet above. To the right five bays with giant pilasters are flanked by two bay rusticated ends. The building lies marooned in a twilight neighbourhood and was neglected after it failed as a bingo hall. Reopened as a furniture warehouse with the cinema interior intact. Permission granted for conversion to flats behind a partially retained façe, although works not carried out. A serious fire occurred in November 2004.

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• Other names
  ABC Cinema, County Bingo Club
• Events
  • 1911 - 1924 Use:
  • 1911 Design/Construction:
    • George Arthur with Frank Matcham & Co - Architect
  • 1936 Alteration: converted to cinema
    • Charles J McNair - Architect
  • 1911 Owner/Management: Glasgow Olympia Theatre Ltd
  • 1912 Owner/Management: DeFrece & Edelsten Ltd
  • 1924 Owner/Management: Scottish Cinema & Variety Theatres
  • 1929 Owner/Management: ABC
  • 1985 Owner/Management: County Properties & Developments Ltd
• Capacities
  • Original: c.2000
  • Later: 1951: 1689
  • Current: c.1690
• Listings
  • Grade B - façade only