Savoy (Portsmouth)

• Theatre ID
  923
• Built / Converted
  1937
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Cinema (Triple cinema)
• Address
  335 Commercial Road/Fitzherbert Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

Details

William Glen designed the theatre in his characteristic style: the frontage featured flowing lines and a round tower. On the upper levels, the small flat roofs were arranged to give a stepped ‘ocean liner’ effect. A feature of the interior, which was in the same flowing style as the exterior, were the decorative metal grilles to the windows and doors, and the metal handrails. The main foyer had a terrazzo floor. Dressing rooms were provided backstage. There was a Compton Organ. It is thought that live entertainment could not be accommodated after the 1967 modifications to the proscenium and stage for the installation of Todd-AO. Now sits on a roundabout.

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• Other names
  ABC, Cannon
• Events
  • 1937 Design/Construction:
    • W R Glen - Architect
  • 1944 Alteration: reinstated after war damage
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1960 - 1969 Alteration: stucco frontage covered with mosaic tiles; refurbished in luxury lounge style
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1967 Alteration: proscenium modified for Todd-AO (70mm) screen
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1982 Alteration: tripled
    • Unknown - Architect
  • Design/Construction: C
  • Owner/Management: ABC (later EMI, Cannon, MGM - successors), owners
• Capacities
  • Original: 1911: (1212 stalls, 699 circle)
  • Later: 1982: 1000?
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Pros flat
• Dimensions
  • Orchestra pit: Original