The Bioscope (Jul-Sep 1931)

xn THE BIOSCOPE MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE August 19, 1931 Coved Proscenium Frame A Modest Venture at Barnstaple Restrained Design of the Gaumont Palace presenting only an absorbent surface to the sound waves. The rose-du-barry colouring of the seating and carpets, together with the green, silver and grey of the curtains, strikes a note of contrast with the main scheme, but nevertheless completes a symphony of bright and cheerful colour. British Acoustic sound system has been installed, and is equipped with a double amplifying system, whereby either amplifier can be set in use at will by a switch. The screen is porous, and behind it are placed a number of moving coil loudspeakers. Interior of the Gaumont Palace, Barnstaple, seen from beneath the balcony. The full proscenium opening is rectangular, and a portion of the triple-coved frame, lit by concealed lamps, can be seen. The walls are rough textured and their surfaces stand clear of the solid walls, so that their acoustic value is high Contributors to the Scheme The Gaumont Palace was designed by W. H. Watkins, F.R.I.B.A., of Bristol, and the electrical installation and lighting schemes were the designs of E. C. C. Nicholls, A.M.I.E.E., engineer to the Gaumont BritishP.C.T. group. McLaughlin & Harvey, Ltd., were the general contractors ; Clark & Fenn, Ltd., executed the fibrous plaster work ; J. Jeffreys & Co., Ltd., the heating and ventilating ; Garton & Thorne, the canopy, grilles and so forth ; while the seats, curtains, carpets and draperies were supplied by W. W. Turner & Co., Ltd. A. L. Pareezer, who managed the old Theatre Royal, has been retained to take charge of the new theatre. The theatre was opened on Bank Holiday, the Deputy-Mayor of Barnstaple being introduced to the audience by James D. Saunders, Gaumont-British circuit supervisor in this area. Erected on the site of the old Theatre Royal and the Kingsley Hotel, in Boutport Street, the Gaumont Palace, Barnstaple, may be called a utility theatre, being modest Both in size and decorative treatment. With a seating capacity of about 1,100, it is large enough to suit the requirements of this Western resort, and its restrained treatment makes the interior both warm and Testful. There is a restrained, though none the less forceful, note, even about the exterior, which is executed principally in multicoloured brick. The centre part of the elevation stands forward far enough to justify an extension forward of the sloping roof, which is of green t'les. Four pairs of swing doors are capped by a wide canopy, above which three windows (lighting the circle foyer) are framed with a Portland stone architrave and divided by fluted stone pillars, these latter being dominated by masque heads. mental figures, while a further small ornament is applied to the upper part of the walls at the proscenium end. Rich reds and greens are the principal colours, applied to a general warm gold background. In the centre of the ceiling, which is slightly arched, is a series of troughs, with grilles behind, this being the source of a general system of concealed lighting. Additional illumination is supplied by two large glass fittings. Underneath the balcony a long laylight is the main illuminant, while the curved front of the balcony carries a further chain of lights. The ceiling itself is rough textured, for acoustic purposes. The walls also are covered with special fabric, for the same reason, Prominent by Day and Night Russell Bros, have left no stone unturned in their endeavour to make the Select Kinema, Redditch, the house of the town. Following extensive alterations and enlargement — they were the first to undertake this step in the town — new projectors and the latest R.C.A. sound apparatus was installed and further minor improvements in office and pay box accommodation were introduced. Now the whole of the exterior has been redecorated in white and medium stone, which, from dusk, is artistically flood-lighted in a variety of colours, thus forming a landmark by day and an attractive entertainment centre by night. Treatment of the vestibule is on conventional modern lines, the floor being laid with white and buff terrazzo, and the walls being lined in green-painted Columbian pine. The paj’box is placed centrally, with entrance to stalls alongside, the balcony approachesbeing at the ends of the vestibule. Above the vestibule is the balcony foyer» richly embellished, its moulded ivory white ceiling picked out in blue, green and gold. It is lit by concealed lighting, aided by ceiling fittings. Modernity is again the keynote of the decorative scheme in the auditorium, in which the colour has been arranged with full regard to the lighting. To concentrate attention in the right direction, the rectangular proscenium opening is framed in a series of coves, on which concealed lights play to give a striking effect. A decorative motif over the proscenium carries the monogram GP in the centre. The plain walls are broken by fluted pillars, topped at cornice level with orna The balcony lounge of the Barnstaple theatre runs the width of the hall below the back steppings of the circle, and takes the patron into the auditorium at both ends. Blue, green and gold finishings lend colour to the ceiling, while the walls are panelled with Columbian pine