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Astoria
Astoria Image
Address: Stockwell Road
Brixton
District: Brixton
Borough: Lambeth
Date Closed: Closed as a cinema in 1972
Location: See Map

History

The Astoria was built in 1929, at a cost of £250,000, and was the largest of the Astoria theatres. The venue had a 140ft dome and seating capacity of 2,982. The opening show included The Singing Fool with Al Jolson, and featured a variety show, orchestra and organ performances.

Proprietors: The Astoria Group (included Astorias at Old Kent Road, Streatham and Finsbury Park); Designed by E A Stone with decoration by Marc Henri, the auditorium has a starlit sky and Italian garden & palace paintings. It is still possible to drive a car off the street on to the stage - with permission and the right keys!

Closed as a cinema in 1972. Now Brixton Academy, a hugely popular live music venue.

Links
There is an entry for this cinema on the Cinema Treasures web site.

This article has some more history on the venue.

Detailed history from the official Brixton Academy web site.

The Mercia Cinema Society publishes a booklet on The Paramount Astorias.

Pictures


Old Cinemas
Cinemas of Wandsworth and Battersea
Cinemas of Brighton & Hove
Cinema Treasures

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