The Bioscope (Jul-Sep 1931)

September 9, 1931 MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE XI PARAMOUNT'S NEWCASTLE THEATRE OPENS The Newcastle " Paramount,” the North’s most elaborate cinema, was officially opened on Monday. No verbal description can do justice to this truly magnificent theatre which, at every turn, presents some fresh evidence of luxurious artistry and careful forethought on the part of the architect and his co-elaborators. There is an open-handed sumptuousness about its appointments which must make it a landmark in the northern cinema world, and will set fresh standards in the whole entertainment industry. The house is one which impresses its originality at every turn, but in no detail is this originality secured by flouting recognised standards of beauty and good taste. The whole scheme is harmonious and perfectly co-ordinated ; it arrests attention by its inherent beauty and not by any ostentatious effort to shock and challenge. The building has been erected at a cost of approximately ^250,000, and was designed by Frank Thomas Verity, F.R.I.B.A. in association with his partner S. Beverley, F.R.I.B.A., who have developed a style of their own based on classic tradition. Mr. Verity has been responsible for the designing of many of the most famous cinemas, including the Plaza and Carlton Theatres in London, the Paramount Theatre in Paris, and the Paramount Theatre in Manchester. In each of these theatres there is an individuality which does not follow any given style, and all are designed predominantly for the comfort and enjoyment of the patron. considered. The design of the theatre is such that everyone seated in the auditorium has an undistorted view. The building has received scientific treatment to enable the lowest undertone to be heard in every part with perfect clarity. There is not the faintest suspicion of an echo in any part. In order to maintain the correct temperature and humidity it is necessary to bring into the auditorium approximately three million cubic feet of air per hour, brought in in such a manner as to avoid draughts. The Paramount is the first theatre in the North to be equipped with apparatus for scientifically maintaining the best atmospheric conditions. A refrigeration plant capable of providing 150 tons of refrigeration every 24 hours has been installed. For this machine alone an electric motor of over 200 H.P. is necessary. The temperature inside the theatre will be kept at 65 degrees with correct humidity, no matter what the conditions may be outside. Safety in Projection Arrangements The building has been constructed throughout of steel and concrete and is almost fireproof. The operating room has been constructed on the roof of the building and is adjoined with the rewinding rooms, rectifying room and generating room. The situation of the operating chamber and the provision of fire shutters renders it impossible at any time for fire to get into the auditorium itself. The whole of the projecting room is surrounded by 14-in. walls with portholes of fire-resisting glass. Should an explosion occur the roof would blow off before the fire reached the auditorium. Western Electric sound apparatus has been installed. Restful, Intimate Atmosphere The auditorium of the theatre in Newcastle has been decorated in a modern treatment of the Baroque period. Despite the vast size a welcome effect of intimacy has been obtained by the use of a generous scale in the decorative scheme. An atmosphere of peace and quiet pervades the interior, due in no small measure to the effective colour scheme which has been adopted throughout. This colour scheme is made up predominantly of blues, buffs and deep rose tints. There are touches here and there of gold, silver and marble Dutch metalling, the effect of the whole being one of pleasing colour harmony. It can safely be said that the interior decorations of this huge theatre are among the finest in Europe. All effects have been achieved by free painting on the walls which has been carried out by special artists from London. All pure decoration as far back as the ancient Egyptian Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Grecian Empire, and the Roman Empire originally took this form. Three Years’ Seating Research A special studio was established in the theatre by the decorators, Messrs. W. Turner Lord & Co., of London. It was necessary to make full-size drawings of all the various details which occur on the ceilings. The building had to be measured inch by inch, this being necessary in view of the variation in certain parts of the buildings. In some cases the designs had to be repeated in full size many times. The main motive of the decoration scheme centres around 16 large terra-cotta silk panels, some of which are 35 ft. high with figures and foliage painted thereon. These panels were carried out in the London studios of the company and when finished were transported to Newcastle and fixed in position on the auditorium walls. Seating has been provided for 2,604, made up of : Stalls, 1,374 ; royal circle, grand circle and balcony, 1,230. As far as the seating is concerned, the minutist details have been considered to ensure the perfect comfort of patrons. The chairs have been specially designed following research work over three years. During that time hundreds of X-ray photographs have been taken at the London hospitals to discover in which particular style of chair the maximum comfort can be obtained. Everything, even to the correct curvature of the spine has been carefully The beautiful auditorium of the Paramount, Newcastle, has been decorated in a modern treatment of the Baroque period. At the right is shown the delightful Ladies’ Cosmetic Room, — one of the features of the house