OK …. you can come in now …. stories of the “Flicks” in Northwich

It is as they say … all in the detail, and it was the detail that drew me to the former Plaza Cinema on Witton Street in Northwich.

My cinema Treasure tell me that “The Plaza Cinema was opened by Cheshire County Cinemas Ltd. in December 1929. It was designed by local architects William & Seager Owen, and is a typical late-1920’s style cinema. There is a particulary good ornamentation of two cherubs supporting an early film camera which are set into an arch over the main entrance”.*

It continued to show films to Northwich audience’s until it closed around 1965 and was converted into a bingo club it finally closing in March 2011.

And for a while it remained “dark” and unused until a group of enthusiasts set about restoring what is a art deco Grade 2 listed building.**

And for those who want more on just what it was originally like I suggest you follow the link to the Historic England’s site which offers up a detailed description and a reference to Andrew Richardson, `Cheshire County Cinemas', in Picture House, no.11, Cinema Theatre Association, winter 1987-8, pp.15-16.***

I could say more but that would be to steal the research of others, but I will add that the owner,  “Will Godfrey, whose grandfather opened the cinema, said:

'It is such a beautiful building. We are trying our best to restore it. Our aim is to provide a hub for the arts, music and community of Northwich. It will be a great asset for the town.'"**

And in conversation with a local shop keeper it appears the Plaza continues to put on live shows, which the observant will spot from the posters in the glass fronted noticeboards, which both also advertise Pzaza Bingo, which is a nice restoration feature.

Leaving me just reflect that in 1947 according the Kinematograph Yearbook Northwich had a population of 18, 728, who had a choice three picture houses.  

These were the Pavilion on Hayhurst Street which could seat 717, the Regal on London Road, with a capacity of 1,059 and the Plaza which offered up 1,213 seats.  The Plazza offered continuous showings during the week and two shows on a Saturday charging between 9d and 2s 3d.

And as they say those were the days.

Location; Northwich

Pictures; The Plaza, 2023, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

* cinema Treasures, The Plaza Cinema, https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/22410

** Iconic landmark The Plaza transformed into new music venue, Northwich & Winsford Guardian, Barbara Jordan, May 12th, 2021  https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/19294445.iconic-landmark-plaza-transformed-new-music-venue/

*** PLAZA BINGO CLUB, 151, WITTON STREET, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1385195