Southampton cinemas to have come and gone through the years

There were once dozens of picture houses but now the options boil down to Showtime or Harbour Lights.

There was even a time when Shirley alone had four movie theatres. Now it has none.

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Because of this, the Daily Echo looks back at 10 of the city's former picture palaces.

In the minds of many, these venues were more than bricks and mortar. 

An endless ocean of happy experiences washed through each of these buildings, where raw emotions were allowed to bubble to the surface - from sorrow to joy, awe to contempt.

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Often referred to as dream places, the old structures lived up to their name as they made fantasy and fiction a visual reality before the audience’s eyes.

From Casablanca to Transformers, Snow White to Aliens - we’ve spent millions of hours watching myriad movies across a plethora of genres - the good, the bad and the ugly!

What are your memories of the old cinema? Let us know below.

Odeon - 75 Above Bar, Southampton

Originally opened as Regal Cinema by Gracie Fields on June 22, 1934, the large cinema had seating for 2,000 in the stalls and 700 on the balcony.

The cinema changed to Odeon on April 15, 1945.

The most popular film shown there was The Sound of Music in 1965.

Doors closed for the last time on September 5, 1993, after a showing of Steven Spielberg’s  Jurassic Park.

The Atherley Cinema, 309 Shirley Road

This cinema first opened its doors on Saturday, September 14, 1912, and initially had room for 650 seats.

The Atherley was extended in 1919 and had room for more than 1,000 seats

In 1929 the cinema caused quite a stir when locals flocked to watch the early full-length talking film Luck Boy starring George Jessel,

The Atherly became a bingo hall in 1975 but was unable to open again after the Covid-19 lockdown.

Empire Theatre - between French Street and Bugle Street

This cinema wasn’t within living memory but it served the community for almost four decades, originally trading as an all-round theatre and later becoming a cinema.

In December 1886 the Empire Palace Theatre opened its doors in French Street and Bugle Street, providing a host of entertainment for up to 1,200 people.

As purpose-built cinemas with better technology sprung up across the city in the early 20th century, it became increasingly difficult for Empire Theatre to compete. 

In 1925 they had no other option than to close their doors for the last time, and the building was demolished shortly afterwards.

Gaiety - 169 High Street

The official opening of the cinema on September 26. 1914, was performed by then-Sheriff of Southampton, Councillor George Etheridge.

The Gaiety boasted 800 seats as well as a full orchestra and later became the city’s first talkie cinema.

They became popular for showing non-mainstream films and horror flicks.

The cinema shut its doors for the last time on April 28, 1956, following a showing of Detective Story starring Kirk Douglas.

Palladium - 247 Portswood Road

The Palladium welcomed its first customers on February 17, 1913, following an official opening by then-mayor Henry Bowyer.

At the time it was described as, “the prettiest picture palace south of London”.

Watching a film there was an intimate affair, as it only had 500 seats in the stall and 150 on the balcony. 

After 45 years of providing entertainment for the Southampton masses, the Palladium closed on May 3, 1958.

The building was remodelled into a supermarket.

Odeon - Leisure World, West Quay Road

When Leisure World opened to much fanfare in August 1997 it boasted Jumpin Jaks live music bar, a bowling alley, two nightclubs and - of course - Odeon cinema.

After almost 25 years the complex closed to make way for new homes, hotels, serviced hotel apartments, a cinema and a casino.

Odeon screened its last film in Southampton on Sunday, February 27, 2022 and the redevelopment continues.

Woolston Picture Theatre - 17-19 Portsmouth Road

This cinema opened in 1913, boasted 600 seats and served the local community for 60 years.

The last film was shown on September 1, 1973, and was Disney’s The World’s Greatest Athlete.

The building was used as a bingo hall until the entertainment venue shut its doors for the last time in October 2007 and is now the gym Custom Fitness Limited.

Cannon - Ocean Village

Opened on July 20, 1989, by Anita Dobson, this picture house went through a slew of owners in its 29-year life.

The multiplex was capable of seating 1,650 people across all of its screens.

The cinema changed from Cannon to MGM, then to Virgin before becoming Cineworld.

With growing competition from larger and more technologically advanced establishments, Cineworld closed in 2017.

Classic cinema - 98 Above Bar

Opened in 1937 as the Cinenews, the cinema changed focus and its name a year later to Classic with its first film being Keep Your Seats starring George Formby.

The 458-seat cinema was damaged during World War II Luftwaffe bombing and patrons had to use a temporary entrance for many years.

The building later contained adult picture house Tatler before they both closed in 1978.

The building is now a Burger King.

Forum Cinema - 127 Above Bar Street, Southampton

Opened in June 1935, the forum packed more than 1,900 seats.

this picture house changed its name to ABC in 1959 and the auditorium was remodelled to make two separate screens.

Another name change came in November 1986 when Cannon took over the cinema.

The venue, which is now Switch nightclub, closed on February 21, 1991, before becoming The Square Balloon club.