A lost Liverpool cinema will turn its lights back on for the first time in over 60 years.
The Gaumont Palace first opened on the corner of Oakfield Road and St. Domingo Vale in Anfield December 21 1931, at what was the start of the golden age of cinema. Now, 91 years later, the cinema is set to reopen after being restored to its former glory with the help of a £25,000 crowdfunding campaign.
Ahead of the reopening on December 3, we decided to take a look back at the history of the much-loved cinema and what it used to look like in its heyday. Charlie Brown opened and managed the original cinema from 1931 to 1935, which was built on the site that of the former King's Hall cinema and billiard hall.
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Speaking of the cinema's revival, Charlie's grandson, Andy Brown said: "Charlie and his wife Nell would have been very proud to know that their legacy is still living on."
The first films to be shown at the Art Deco cinema in 1931 were The Devil to Pay and Oh! Oh! Cleopatra. Photos show elaborate displays that were put on inside the cinema to advertise different films and attract new audiences, including for the Trader Horn and to promote the Whitestar Line.
Designed by Liverpool architects Gray and Evans, the cinema had a capacity of 1,600 people and a moveable floor. It was renamed the Gaumont in 1937 when it became part of the Rank Organisation.
The building operated as the Gaumont cinema until November 26, 1960 when it closed its doors with final showings of The Unforgiven and Delta 8-3. It became an Appleton's store followed by a DIY store, until the building was taken over by Liverpool Lighthouse in 1998.
The registered charity and community hub hope the cinema's revival will bring people together and improve mental health and well-being during the cost of living crisis. The restoration of the historic cinema involved installing 10 metre Cine Pro electrical screen and adding to the building's preserved Art Deco features by bringing the historical box office back to life.
Popcorn makers and candyfloss trollies have also been installed at the historic venue as well as a retro "now showing sign" lit up outside. A free singalong screening of The Greatest Showman will be shown at the opening on December 3 followed by pay what you can screenings in December and January as part of the launch.
Rebecca Ross-Williams, Creative Director of Liverpool Lighthouse added: “We are so fortunate that our venue can once again bring the joy of film to our local communities through a community cinema at Liverpool Lighthouse. It provides an opportunity for local people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in shared experiences which aim to promote happiness – which let’s face it’s much needed.
"Older community members are excited that their grandchildren will be able to experience the joys of cinema that they remember from visiting Liverpool Lighthouse in their youth. Just to think 91 years later the doors are opening for cinema.”
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