State

• Theatre ID
  2576
• Built / Converted
  1938
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  dark (cinema with sporadic theatre use)
• Address
  George Street, Grays, Essex, RM17, England

Details

The State Cinema is one of the most completely preserved and 'theatrical' of late 1930s cinemas. It has a striking exterior, with a faience-clad tower over the entrance façe, but it was for the quality of its interior that it was listed. This comprises a large but relatively simple auditorium, with rather standard mouldings either side of the proscenium, behind pleasant Art Deco entrance foyers. However, it retains its original Compton theatre organ and projectors, and in the late 1970s and early 1980s its qualities were enhanced by the showmanship of its manager and the support of the Friends of the State Cinema. Additional features included an extra set of curtains (making three in all) that swept open in sequence at the start of each film, an automatic piano linked to the organ, and a brenograph that cast coloured light patterns across the curtains as the organist played. The building has a 4.57m (15ft) stage which has been used for occasional live shows since its construction, and has three dressing rooms. It has also featured in a number of advertisements and music videos, and, most famously, in 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' (1988). The State closed in October 1990 following the sudden death of its manager and the opening of rival multiplex cinemas at the nearby Lakeside shopping development. It was acquired by a Guernsey-based entrepreneur, and the foyer was used briefly as a bar. The building is now in poor condition, and is being closely monitored by the local authority, who have already served one repairs notice. It is hoped that a new development on an adjoining site will regenerate interest in reviving the State as a mixed arts venue.

---

Hide further details

• Events
  • 1938 Design/Construction:
    • F G M Chancellor - Architect
  • 1938 Owner/Management: Fredericks Electric Theatres (until when not known).
• Capacities
  • Original: 2,200
  • Current: 2,200
• Listings
  • Grade II*
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 15ft
  • Proscenium width: 45ft
  • Orchestra pit: original