Exploring an Abandoned Theatre - Untouched 1930s Time Capsule

In this video, we explore an abandoned theatre full of furniture and belongings! The rare type of purpose-built structure dates back to the early 1900s, complete with vintage projection equipment remaining.
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Our urbex library -
• Exploring an Abandoned...
abandoned urbandoned derelict urbex explore exploring uk england theatre cinema complex projector projection room auditorium opera plays performance untouched time capsule decay night belongings left behind everything documentary walkthrough video

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

As CEO of the group now working with the Council to protect and restore this theatre I am normally very nervous of urban explorers gaining access. You guys did a very sensitive, knowledgeable and respectful job. Great to see you were properly masked because there is free asbestos floating in the air. Most asbestos was removed in 2004/5 but they overlooked the sealing strip at the top of the safety curtain - you probably noticed the grey-white powder at the front of the stage. We do have a business plan to ensure the theatre will be cost effective (there's room for a quarter of an acre of solar panels on the roof, for example) and it was good to get your thoughts and input. You seriously like the colour scheme of the Circle Bar area??! Ok, maybe we'll have a re-think on that!

[@frasermathers2287]

Thanks for acknowledging that these guys are very respectful during their urbex exploration! I have been watching these guys a long time and by far they are very respectful and safety conscious in all of their adventures and make it clear they are not happy when they come across vandalism. Good luck in your ventures too and hope the theatre reopens.

[@magicalmousers]

Hopefully one day in the future the that historic theater could become a theater grille and bar , with yummy real good food , drinks of all sorts and still perform plays , and along with indie films like from cannes and Sundance film festivals, and up to date hit films too. It would be awesome idea and hopeful success. But that beautiful place needs alot of love and fixer upper !! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

@@magicalmousers That's already planned for a smaller venue in the area - also a rescue job!

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

@@frasermathers2287 Thank you Fraser. The irony is that the boys can't come back and film when it's ready for re-opening - it won't be Urbandoned then!

[@sharonlatham4491]

Come to Stockport and have a tour of Stockport Plaza you cannot be any thing but impressed.

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

An update for everybody who has kindly taken an interest. We have recently been awarded a grant towards re-opening this theatre under the Theatres Trust's "Resilient Theatres : Resilient Communities" programme. Our thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Swire Charitable Trust and the Pilgrim Trust. It's on it's way back!

[@Tommy-pu3nu]

where even is it

[@djadventure]

Give us another Update, i wanna know what happend !

[@julieclare8599]

This place was a big part of my childhood and a big reason I love the theatre today. Amazing to see inside after all this time.

[@groovydonkey]

I find your videos of abandoned cinemas and theatres so fascinating and this one was especially amazing, seeing so much of inside in such a good condition, considering how long it has been closed and the old projector as well. So good to hear it has a grade II listed building, as so many have been demolished and the history around these buildings gone forever. I hope it does get to reopen and we need more places like this in our local towns and bring back local theatre/cinemas. Enjoyed this so much. Thanks guys

[@dfwjac]

Breaks my heart, as an actor. I can just see that place bustling with actors, stage crew, etc. I hope someone does get it back in shape someday. Screw cost efficiency. It deserves to be filled with actors and audiences...

[@FrostyGaming8394]

Its really sad that the Theatre isn't open anymore since the late 2000's it would of cost a lot to get modernised if they ever did it but it is really rare and nice that the original equipment is still there.

[@frasermathers2287]

Hi Lads, once again a great video and also a real time warp! Was amazing to see that old projector still in place. Its such a shame to see a facility like this go to waste. In one of our local small towns(Montrose) the community took things into their own hands when the old swimming pool was shut due to a new one being built. The town was crying out for a cinema with it being decades sine the last one shut down. Due to the foresight of a number of individuals and the backing of the community they raised enough funds with some support from local businesses and lottery grants and they fully converted the old pool into a multi screen cinema and meeting venue. Its takes a lot of commitment, time and money, but it does show what a local community can do if they work together. Thanks lads for all your efforts.

[@stevieandrew9008]

I know this theatre well.. been in while it was open in its hay-day. Beautiful.. amazing to see it in such good condition after all these years being derelict. Amazing video! Thanks guys!

[@aka1gbr]

As one of the MANY ex-Projectionists this video hurts my heart.. But glad that it might be Saved !

[@juliegale3863]

It was like so many cinemas I went to from about the age of 8, now 88. First the back boards behind the seats where you stood waiting for a seat to come free. Some people had to stand all night if it was very popular film. Then when somebody afforded to take you to a circle seat, the carpet on the stairs was thicker and the seats sometimes more comfortable. Ice creams in the interval from a lady carrying a tray. So many memories until about the ago of 28 to 30 when these places began to close down.

[@kenbell3250]

The projector has what was called a wardrobe behind it that could carry an entire film on one spool. When that had run through the machine the wardrobe was swung around so that the second feature could be loaded onto the machine. This system was introduced in the mid to late 1970s, but most cinemas did not adopt them as for a single screen you could still carry on using two machines side by side and change over the reels as they ended. It was the introduction of the multi-screen cinemas that forced the introduction of these wardrobes.

[@sarahpetrie5122]

The amount of shows I seen here as a kid, used to love it. Last time I was there was just before it closed and performed a dance show with my school

[@jezdavies4917]

Cracking job as ever gents, you can never tell the true age of your videos due to the fact you’re exploring buildings which have been left abandoned for a number of years. But interesting to see what items and safety signage you find, This is what makes your videos so compelling

[@DEAD-DROP]

The videos filmed a while ago still look really good, has your style and that's one of the main appeals. I'd say it's always worth holding onto footage, especially if it will protect a place. So cool to see so much old equipment, really great work capturing this place!

[@ApollodoraTheExplora]

This is a gorgeous location, without a doubt. I’m really glad you guys were able to document it in its beauty. It makes me more than a little sad to see a place like that left all alone to rot, after it brought so much happiness to so many people. I have to say though, all that white mould and the dust particles in the air are making my skin itch just to look at them. Do you guys ever worry about things like asbestos or inhaling fumes? I don’t doubt you guys take a lot of precautions, since you seem to take your work pretty seriously.

[@autumnmatthews3179]

What an amazing venue. Great video as always guys

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Interior looked much nicer than the exterior. Fantastic vid, really atmospheric. Many thanks.

[@SteveW139]

Amazing to see one of the theatres I worked in as electrician and flyman. The pub mentioned at the start was almost opposite the stage door and nipping across for a quick pint during long scenes wasn’t unknown. Happy days.

[@OLIFAB]

Fantastic video as always! This place is absolutely stunning! 😁

[@stephaniemcquillan1930]

Since I found your channel the look and quality of your videos have been excellent and they just keep getting better. I love historic locations like this. Very, very interesting and I am always very pleased to see that you have the sense to wear a mask in places like this. Ever the professionals!

[@martinproffitt5299]

I spent fifteen years or so working their tameside hippodrome many happy memories 😢❤😢❤

[@1974bazzaaa]

Great video guys, one of your best ones! love the old theatres especially when there in such original condition. Hope the restoration goes well.

[@Vertigotheatre1]

Thank you for this, we needed to see the condition inside this particular theatre and this gives us plenty.

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

Are you thinking of bringing the "Bound" tour in, Craig? 🙂

[@fuzzlewit9]

Aah, my hometown. Beautiful theatre, such a shame it's the way it is.

[@sammccormick9109]

What town is it?

[@martynbinkyboy2026]

😊rfff

[@-----------g-]

Much more spacious on the inside. Very warm looking.

[@barriegilbert1315]

Beautiful and should be restored and opened along the lines of the PLAZA Stockport In the box the remaining equipment is a WESTREX Tower long play system with WESTAR 2000 PROJECTOR Head and as shown an ORCON Xenon lamp house, which replaced the original carbon arcs (ex Projectionist 51 years!)

[@nickshipway8199]

What would that be, somewhere mid-80's?

[@cierancoupe244]

I was just scrolling through and thought, I'm sure that looks familiar. My neck of the woods! Really great job documenting a truly beautiful place.

[@10meandyou]

Another great video And a beautiful old building.

[@brendagilliland5602]

Loved this video it's amazing to have a good look around theatre its just such a shame to see these beautiful places like this going to waste our one up here in Kirkcaldy was just lying empty but apparently it's getting a overhaul but still never heard anything yet about an opening you be careful guy's stay safe xx

[@christophergrimes12]

Great video and glad the building is saved from demolition

[@ciaranburke3243]

Fabulous place guys, hope the restoration keeps it mostly original 👍

[@T420TOMEXPLORES]

Really cool place lads nicely done 👌👍

[@nataliesmith303]

She many places in Sheffield where I live like this that have either been knocked down. For me it’s worse when they leave them to rot though. Great video guys, thanks for sharing 😀

[@bobbythomas200420032]

That was an excellent video of the beauitiful theatre you filmed. I really enjoyed that video and interior inside i found to be facsinating as I watched the video. The condition is it was in i agree has to the best preserved Theatre that you have filmed. Thank you for makinhg this video.

[@AbandonedLandscapes]

An amazing explore guys very well filmed and tasteful. I’ve been going past this building all my life and could only dream of getting an opportunity to film it, it’s a massive thumb’s up from me 👍👍👍👍

[@markkilley2683]

Art deco is my thing. I have worked and some restoration work in a Art Deco theatre in Aus. It had carbon rod projectors. These days it's been upgraded with the current owners, split into two cinemas etc. It's shame it's been trashed, and let to rot. To heat these places, footwarmers and heating was done by oil or similar.

[@dantehaworth3280]

Great video 👍

[@elizabethpeterson1644]

The theater was very colorful inside.

[@anthonybarnsley4812]

I played for many shows in this theatre, such a loss to the area.

[@blackpoolhienergy3765]

I remember going to this when it was a cinema in the 1970's .Such a shame it has been left like this and hopefully it can re-opened and used again.

[@derrenleepoole]

Tasteful explore lads.

[@jamesbarker6442]

This theatre was such an important part of the towns culture bringing professional and amateur productions to the local people. It was also cheaper to go hear than to the theatres in the city meaning it was more affordable for those that couldn't go to the big shows. Due to it's location as well and the fact that it was the main venue for many local am dram groups it gave local schools the chance to take their students there with many children having never visited a theatre before and for some this may ne their only chance ever to do so until being an adult. I know local groups have been trying to get it back over for some time now. Of you ever manage to go again please can I join due

[@mikebas7325]

Judging by the outside, I never would have thought a fairly well-preserved theatre was on the other side of those walls.

[@grange247]

This was one of the best lads, cheers ...could have had more of behind stage /curtain footage as I'm a tech geek.

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

The backstage tech was stripped out when LiveNation left in 2008. The flying system is still in place - but the grid is the original 1904 wooden one, which had a UDL of only 7 tons before it warped. And all 7 tons were needed when we had "Irene" in! You did see the Strand SP80 Threeset in the LX box, though! Installed 1976.

[@Rambo9700]

It’s mad to see just the cups washed and on the draining board and nobody realised that they would not be allowed to come back the next day and it was sealed and left.

[@Magnet_13]

I was shown around inside a week before it closed. Hard to believe it has stayed closed for so long.

[@jpdmanchester3226]

Only went there once, in the late 80's (87/88???) to see a heavy metal band - Touched (from Burnley I think) Glad to see it's still standing and can hopefully be put to some use again.

[@KeepingUpWithTheJoneses1]

We have explored a theatre in France but unfortunately it was before we started filming for our channel. I think old theatre's can be so atmospheric!

[@bobmcdermott9535]

You should go and look at the Town hall in that town, another grand building abandoned by the same council!

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

The Council has has just received £14 million to restore the Town Hall.

[@fp30e]

A great video. FYI the Wheels (as you called them in Projection) are "Spools" as in spools of film etc. Thank you.

[@wdavem]

Always great to see no digital projectors! Small screen though.

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

Haha, that's the mini-screen for interval ads and trailers. The main screen is a curved and raked 40ft x 22ft.

[@tamarahenderson5241]

Love

[@michaelgamble296]

Was there no Theatre Organ? The projection room was spectacular - large 35mm take-up and magazine spools - and a hand rewinding facility. Absolutely amazing. Thanks for the Show!!

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

The Theatre Organ - a Compton - was installed in 1935 and removed in 1976. It was broken up and the parts used to restore theatre organs all over the world. We have been offered two replacement organs. 🙂

[@northernorganist]

@@keithdalby-oldham7050 That would be absolutely amazing, speaking as an organist who knew this theatre as a child.

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

@@northernorganist Can you locate a copy of Vernon Hoyle's "Fantasia on an Art Deco Theatre"? 😀

[@MrSJMaxson]

@@keithdalby-oldham7050 I wouldn't be surprised if he couldn't be persuaded to write one!

[@mattybaratty3646]

live right near this place, so weird but cool to see it on the inside considering how fucked it is on the outside, nice one lad

[@jonkino]

Could you you message me the town this is in please, I would like to contact the group who are trying to get it open see if I can help.

[@ToniTerrier]

We have a couple of places I'd love you to see if you could explore in my home down centre. The Grand (similar to this theatre, it's been abandoned for a loooong time) and St James Swimming baths, which closed around 15yrs+ and was due to be redeveloped, however is now in limbo as it was discovered there that is some historical old baths UNDERNEATH the building that are now under a preservation order. The City these are in is Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

[@Urbandoned]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpuZXo2BbrJnbck kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKOupIZ3a91-iq8

[@Ellisforryan1]

You should explore Honiley raf

[@michaelhalliday463]

We’re is this theatre. I love old cinemas the interior is amazing. If it’s goin to be restored this wil be amazing is this theatre stil standid now. It’s n immaculate condition it’s sad see it in this state.

[@michaeltubehd4229]

That's the old Tameside Hippodrome!

[@belindamoles9192]

Have you upgraded your cameras, the visuals seem a lot clearer.

[@jeniferallan6693]

3:24 Except one! 😂

[@BLACKSYNTH]

Tell you what would be good is if you Bought a (I think a 360 Video camera is needed) to make VR footage. That would be so awesome! and with your excellent channel That would be next level.

[@mikecookson9256]

Sadly Tameside Theatre remains closed.

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

But on its way to reopening

[@poppyjons56874]

@@keithdalby-oldham7050 i was there in 1961 for the pyjama game with meg johnson mmmmm in 1968 the pub was run by a hypnotist lol

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

@@poppyjons56874 I worked with Meg on "A Bequest To The Nation" Happy times.

[@Tommy-pu3nu]

Chears for loco

[@SteveW139]

@@keithdalby-oldham7050I too worked with Meg back in the day, and have worked as stage and fly crew here. Would love to see it reopen.

[@danielbuckner7075]

sad here in the united states a lot of theaters like this are getting their long over due restoration and are being used again for movies and concerts. if your interested the 2 where I live are the Tennessee and the bijou theater in Knoxville Tn.

[@jamessheridan4306]

A little research might have told you (and us) exactly WHERE in England, when built, the name of the theater, etc.

[@mica412]

Is this the old Tameside Theatre in Ashton Under Lyne or the Plazza Theatre in Stockport???

[@fintanbeirne7261]

The former

[@mikeblakemore655]

Where is this Theatre ? This would help..

[@oldproji]

Another one bites the dust. Please mention the names and places of cinemas you visit. It's important to record these. Was this a Rank theatre or one of Associated British Cinemas? From the decor, my guess is that it was a Granada. I could be wrong though.

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

It was an ABC 🙂

[@nameless5512]

Oh how I can picture it now, rows of regular people in casual wear, munching on popcorn and a cartoon playing on the big silver screen, maybe a Looney Tunes Cartoon, or a Van Buren Tom and Jerry one. Maybe Krazy Kat. Either way a small group laughing and saying to play it again before the movie starts.

[@everydaygamed]

Where is this?

[@jonkino]

I would like to share this in my Art of Cinema page please and if you could put me in touch of the group trying to save it so can do a bit of a story on it please. What town is it in?

[@EVITANDY]

As a theatre professional, I find this very upsetting. The place looks familiar, though. What is it?

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

It will be familiar from your touring days Andrew. I've contacted you on Fb.

[@StubbyPhillips]

Beautiful place! I just hope they can continue to keep the copper thieves, scribble kiddies and destructive morons out...

[@keithdalby-oldham7050]

Alarms and sensors have been installed since the video was taken

[@cometbook]

If you believe the expert ghost hunters, that theatre is cram full of spirits (or dust motes as everyone else knows them) lol 👻

[@carmelcurran7193]

Think I know where this is.

[@eduardoalviggio5436]

I'm sorry but I haven't seen anything that suggests that this theater is vintage, the projector is an old Century and even the large reels are at best from the late 90s. the structure is certainly ancient but everything else is modern and not it could be otherwise given that by not updating the theater to the new laws and safety and technological provisions that cinema would not have been able to work. however, for information purposes, the projection on film was replaced by the digital one in 2012 all over the world.

[@BeasleyStreet]

Did you find my fruit gums i dropped in the stalls seat H 14?

[@lowkilowki7808]

You drive on the wrong side of the road