In last month’s edition of CHALFONTS&GERRARDSCROSSnews, we ran an article on the Everyman cinema in Gerrards Cross. The popular venue has survived a world war, several name changes, and more than a few refurbishments.
One resident of Gerrards Cross, Chris Edgerton, has now been in touch to share her memories of some of the cinema’s earliest days, back when it was known as the Playhouse, the name it held from its opening in 1925 until 1947.
Nowadays, a trip to the cinema is normally a casual affair, with people turning up in their most comfortable clothes and eating popcorn. But this was not the case at the Playhouse.
According to Chris, the venue was run by Charles Cheshire, a man who kept things running smoothly and would wear a black tie as he welcomed all of his guests inside. Smarter clothes were the fashion of the day, and eating while watching a film was unheard of and would have been considered uncouth.
Chris remembers going to the children’s Saturday Club, where as well as a film, guests could also enjoy a short animation before the feature presentation, along with a newsreel detailing the recent global events put together by the famous Pathé News company.
Some things haven’t changed at all, though. Chris said that just like today, the adverts and trailers still went on for ages. Despite this, you’re unlikely to see promotions for local businesses in the commercial break these days like you would in days gone by.
Tickets to see a film would cost three shillings, which in today’s money, would be worth around £5.33 – a bargain by 2023 standards. Inside, the auditorium had velvet covering on the seats, but it could be very cold, with many bringing hot water to stay warm.
Chris also shared the story of the cinema’s own lovely tabby cat, who could regularly be spotted by movie-watchers warming himself on the lights of the screen. He often had to be moved to prevent his shadow appearing on the screen.
Chris had many great cinematic experiences at the venue, with her favourites being the Mario Lanza musical comedy Because You’re Mine and Doris Day’s starring role in Calamity Jane.
Perhaps her most extraordinary memory, however, was the special appearance of Canadian Hollywood child star Deanna Durbin, who gave a live performance at the cinema as she had been filming at the nearby Pinewood Studios.
If you have any memories of the Playhouse, or when it was named the Essoldo, the Classic, the Cannon, the Odeon or even the Everyman, feel free to send in your photos and recollections to us at newsdesk@mynewsmag.co.uk
Photo Credit: Alfie Cooper
0 Comments