The Bioscope (May-June 1912)

The Bioscope, June 13, 1912. 801 IN SUBURBIA. “RAMBLER” Peckham was the scene of my rambles this week, and many are the well-conducted and up-to-date picture theatres located there. The first to claim my attention was the Queen’> Hall, in the High Street, where Mr. E. J. Gordon is in charge, and good, steady business is being done. Seating 950, in plush tip-ups, every comfort is provided, which is highly appreciated by the good audiences which assemble. The hall is being entirely redecorated, and a fine new screen, with a gilded proscenium, is being installed. The screen is to be treated with a special composition. The Peckham Hippodrome is doing very good business, the matinees, in particular, being well attended. Kinemacolor is a feature here, and, of course, is a special attraction. Mr. E. A. Kent is the popular manager. “The Pride of the Circus’’ (Nordisk) is proving extremely popular with the large audiences at the Peckham Picture Palace, which is situated on the corner of Rye Lane, thus having the advantage of two adjoining thoroughfares. The hall has a most imposing and artistic front, and the interior presents a pleasing and comfortable appearance. Mr. S. Still, the capable manager, is very popular with his audiences. At the Cinema House, Rye Lane, where Mr. J. Fred Hailes is manager, busy times are experienced. The theatre is most lavishly decorated and upholstered, and finds seating accommodation for 650. Patrons are not slow to recognise the efforts made by the management on their behalf. The fine Italian orchestra is under the charge of Signor Gino Nelli, and renders good service. Passing on through Rye Lane, I came to the Electric Theatre (adjoining Peckham Rye Station), which is one of the Biograph Theatre Company's most successful houses, and there I had a most Interesting chat with Mr. Hatton, the genial managing-director, who said that all the company's theatres have experienced a most successful time. Mr. Gora is the manager here, and is also in charge of the Biograph Theatre in the High Street, wh-r> good, steady business is being done. On the opposite side of Rye Lane is Pyke’s Cinematograph Theatre, and there I found Mr. S. Blackmore busy with a full house. The well-chosen programme is greatly enhanced by the fine orchestra which is in attendance. A new Phenix Google TOURS THE GREATER LONDON HALLS. motor generator has just been installed, together with new fans in the auditorium. Burgoyne’s American BRioscope Theatre is runuing smoothly, and good business is being experieuced. A very diversified programme is shown, and highly appreciated. That comfortable theatre, known as the Central alall, in the High Street, is having a successful time with Mr. J. Oswick at the helm. The large audiences this week are being regaled with ‘‘ The Rattle of the Redmen,’’ and are finding this popular Bison ‘101’? film much to their liking. Within a stone’s throw of the Central is the Chepstow Hall, where steadily increasing business is reported. An excellent programme, comfortable seating arrangements, and clear pictures are what patrons experience, and, judging by the good attendance, these features are greatly appreciated. Yet another picture theatre for Camberwell, a new hall being in course of erection, known as the Camberwell Picture Palace. The opening will take place within a few weeks. The Bijou Theatre, Denmark Hill, next claimed . my attention, and I found Mr. Brickwell very busily engaged. A good-class entertainment is given, first and second-run films being a feature. Situated in a densely populated neighbourhood, the Electric Palace, Clapham Road, has the further advantages of being on a main tram route and at the junction of four thoroughfares. A double topical is given, Pathe’s ‘‘Gazette’’ and Gaumont’s ‘Graphic ’’ being shown alternately. Mr. W. H. Richards holds the managerial reins. When I visited the Coronation Hall, St. Mark’s Hill, Surbiton, T found manager A. J. Worton busy with a packed house. This theatre is one of the Pyke Circuit, and is situated in the centre of a high-class neighbourhood. The elegant front is brilliantly illuminated at night by some 450 lamps. Seating 600, in ‘nicely upholstered seats, an excellent programme is presented, which always includes two first-rate educational films. The Imperial Ladies’ Orchestra adds much to the enjoyment of the entertainment. A new organ has just been installed at the Cinema Palace, Kingston, and adds materially to the musical part of;jthe,)programme..