Gaumont (Doncaster)

• Theatre ID
  3054
• Built / Converted
  1934
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  dark (closed as cinema April 2008)
• Address
  Hall Gate, corner of Thorne Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 3NL, England

Details

Built on the site of the Majestic, the Gaumont Palace, part of the Gaumont/Provincial Cinematograph Theatres (PCT) chain, was the largest cinema theatre in South Yorkshire. The façe had a high canopy above which were the convex windows of the restaurant and a frieze of figures by Newbury A Trent; this was covered with a plain rendered facia during modernisation. Otherwise externally a somewhat plain brick building, with a fly tower and full stage facilities. The entrance hall, once with murals, led to a wide auditorium with decorative wooden banding and broad curves, with an unusual ante-proscenium and use of decorative grille work. Many original features still survive despite the later tripling in 1973. The large stage was the most used of the whole Gaumont circuit, especially during the 1960s, being able to accommodate anything from small variety to opera. The cinema screen was 'flown out' when stage shows were given. There were eleven dressing rooms. It was the last Gaumont to keep its name, until 1987, though acquired by Odeon in 1981.

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• Other names
  Odeon
• Events
  • 1934 Design/Construction:
    • W E Trent & W Sydney Trent - Architect
  • 1934 Owner/Management: Gaumont
  • 1968 Alteration: modernised (architect unknown).
  • 1973 Alteration: tripled (architect unknown).
  • 1981 Owner/Management: Odeon
• Capacities
  • Original: 2020
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Width: 67ft
  • Proscenium width: 45ft
  • Height to grid: 54ft