Ever since I started urban exploring, this place has been at the top of my list. I remember going here a lot when I was younger during the late 80's and early 90's, having to wait around for my sister while she had dance classes. It was always a strange building and even back then, parts of it looked derelict and certain areas sealed off. My curiosity of the building must have started even back then! This explore has given me many failed attempts but perseverance paid off on I think the 7th or 8th attempt! I'd like to thank @Six @dweeb and in the early days of planning also @Lenston for their tips. I didn't get in the same ways as they did in the end, but their help is greatly appreciated!
The Elysium cinema opened it's doors 11th April 1914 in a building that was part owned by the Dock Workers Hall. Designed by the architectural firm Ward & Ward of the Strand, London. It was capable of seating 900 in stalls and its circle gallery. The cinema was equipped by Kalee, one of the leading manufacturers of projection equipment at the time but they also supplied the cinemas cast iron seats. Although the Cinema was designed from the outset as a moving picture house, the auditorium also featured a medium sized stage and a full fly tower capable of handling backdrops and scenery. Below the auditorium the Dock Workers Hall and Institute included a large ball room, ladies reading room and social bar. Both cinema and workingman's club were entered through a high fronted building on High street which still boasts an impressive Edwardian facade. Also sharing the buildings ground floor along High street was a small shop which was home to a branch of W.H Smith's the stationers for a long time. The cinema closed during the 1960's and became a bingo hall until 1994 and the Dock Workers Hall closed it's doors around 1998. The place has been sealed ever since. - History taken from a few sources including Cinema Treasures and a facebook page dedicated to the building.
Here is a photo of it, not long after it opened, it's the one just past the Boots store...
There was fruit machines everywhere...
Even in the toilets!
The old dance class studio...
The Elysium cinema opened it's doors 11th April 1914 in a building that was part owned by the Dock Workers Hall. Designed by the architectural firm Ward & Ward of the Strand, London. It was capable of seating 900 in stalls and its circle gallery. The cinema was equipped by Kalee, one of the leading manufacturers of projection equipment at the time but they also supplied the cinemas cast iron seats. Although the Cinema was designed from the outset as a moving picture house, the auditorium also featured a medium sized stage and a full fly tower capable of handling backdrops and scenery. Below the auditorium the Dock Workers Hall and Institute included a large ball room, ladies reading room and social bar. Both cinema and workingman's club were entered through a high fronted building on High street which still boasts an impressive Edwardian facade. Also sharing the buildings ground floor along High street was a small shop which was home to a branch of W.H Smith's the stationers for a long time. The cinema closed during the 1960's and became a bingo hall until 1994 and the Dock Workers Hall closed it's doors around 1998. The place has been sealed ever since. - History taken from a few sources including Cinema Treasures and a facebook page dedicated to the building.
Here is a photo of it, not long after it opened, it's the one just past the Boots store...
There was fruit machines everywhere...
Even in the toilets!
The old dance class studio...
