Green's Playhouse

Green’s Picturedrome of 1911 was a conversion from a roller skating rink. The Picturedrome was converted to the original Playhouse in 1922 and destroyed by fire the following year. The present building was erected in 1924. It became a bingo house in 1965.

Crude and dominating harled brick edifice typical of its period of stylistic transition, incorporating elements of earlier building. Symmetrical façade with large pediment concealing projection box over central five bays and debased classical details. Three doors with tall windows and fanlight above. As with so many cine-variety venues, it is the interior which delights.

The foyers are solidly classical with weighty Ionic pilasters and white marble floors and balustrading. The auditorium, which originally seated 3,104, has one enormous balcony. On either side, giant Ionic orders with superimposed boxes soar triumphantly to the heavily beamed ceiling. The wide stage now contains the no smoking section of bingo tables.