PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE GAUMONT PALACE The Gaumont Palace in Union Street, Plymouth, was opened in 1931. The building's fluted columns and tiled foyer immediately attracted attention whilst inside the auditorium a mighty Compton organ had been installed at a cost of over £6,000. Mr Leslie James entertained the audiences on this during the intervals that week. The walls of the cinema had been covered by acoustic felt and fabric to prevent echo. Dressing rooms had also been provided. Designed by Mr W H Watkins and built by Messrs McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd of Highbury Grove, London N5, the main structure was formed of a new material named Clinco-Compo which was manufactured at Pomphlett, Plymstock. This was faced with red brick from Reading, Berkshire. Seating for 2,252 people had been provided by Messrs W W Turner & Company of King's Heath, Birmingham. Heating was by warm air ducts and even the lighting was hidden behind grills on the walls. The Gaumont's first manager and licensee was Mr R E Eady and the advertised prices were: front circle 2s; back circle 1/6d; front stalls 7d; back stalls 1s. There were continuous performances from 2 until 10.30pm. Mr Maurice Leacey was the Chief Projectionist. Under him, in 1939, were four projectionists, Mr R Thomas (2nd), Mr C Charters (3rd), Mr C Peel (4th) and Mr E West (5th). The projection "suite" consisted of six rooms. Crompton-Parkinson generators supplied Hall and Connelly type R.4 H.I. arc lamps, which were installed with Gaumont R/S Eclipse projectors. On either side of the projectors were a "Premier" 75 amp spotlight and a slide lantern. The Duosonic Sound was provided by two 200 watt main amplifiers and two 10 watt input amplifiers, with a change-over switch. The stage battens and floats and the proscenium arch lighting were all three-colour. These were all controlled by a dimmer switch with remote control conveniently located in the projection room. The screen curtains were also controlled from there but the house tabs were operated by hand from the prompt side of the stage.
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