Image ID: 06494

The Savoy Cinema under construction

Courtesy of Antoine

Middlegate
Newark on Trent
England

This picture shows the construction of the main auditorium of the cinema looking back from where the screen will be towards Middlegate. The huge girder which will support the balcony seating has been hauled into place and the workmen test their handiwork. Amongst those seen here is Mr Lewis Smith. On 23rd January 1935 The Newark Advertiser reported that negotiations had been completed and a new 'Super Cinema' was to be built in Middlegate, Newark. The architect was to be Robert Crombie ARIBA of Baker Street, London. The Savoy Cinema was officially opened by the Mayor of Newark on Thursday 30th January 1936 at 7.30pm with the film 'Roberta'. The integral Savoy cafe also opened that week from 10am to 10pm daily. A description of the cinema as it originally appeared to the visitor follows. From Middlegate (to which there was a narrow, but architecturally impressive frontage) one entered under a modern canopy through entrance doors of mahogany. Inside, the foyer was decorated in white, picked out with mahogany fittings and an heraldic panel of Newark Castle. Floors were of mosaic and rubber lino in white, grey, black and green in a linear pattern. The balcony foyer, silver grey and black with a crimson carpet, and the cafe decorated in orange, set the scene for the Auditorium which was decorated in a 'Minehaha' (light shade) of green together with soft lighting and being fully upholstered and carpeted. The Savoy had seating for 1,500 picture-goers.

Date: 20/09/1935

Organisation Reference: NCCE001037

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