Mexborough and Swinton Times May 3, 1929
The Pavilion for The People.
Re-Opening of Popular Wombwell Theatre.
Remarkable Transformation.
Beauty on Walls.
“‘Keep your eye on the Pavilion Theatre” —”Pavilion Theatre to be opened shortly”—”Look out for the grand opening of the Pavilion.” How many people in the Wombwell district have had their attention gripped by these and similar pronouncements?
Why thousands- And now to the sequel. The “Mexboro’ and Swinton Times” is able to proclaim to the picture-going fraternity in South Yorkshire the good, news that the Pavilion Theatre, Wombwell, will be re-opened next Monday. Advertisements elsewhere in this issue give all the details that are necessary.
The re-opening of the Pavilion, Wombwell, will stand as a red letter day in the history of picture hall entertainment in South Yorkshire. It represents a definite step forward in the sphere of public entertainment.
The Pavilion under the new regime will provide attractions of a very high standard. At any rate, that is the ideal of the new proprietors. The Pavilion has come under the scope and control of the County Cinema Circuit, a firm well known in the film world, and whose watchword and motto is “The best for the people.” The County Cinema Circuit have unique opportunities of anticipating the “popular” taste and of providing the wherewithal to cater for it.
Decorative Delights.
When the C.C.C. set about a job they do it thoroughly. Hence former patrons of the Pavilion will rub their eyes in astonishment when they visualise the amazing changes that have been effected within the building. Veritably the whole establishment has been “pulled inside out” and altered beyond recognition
The charm, the atmosphere of spotless cleanliness, the sense of comfort, the general cosiness effected by this scheme of transformation will have to be experienced to be thoroughly appreciated.
Though little change is to be noted on the exterior the Pavilion is a new building from floor to ceiling. In restoring and reconditioning it the proprietors have spared neither pains nor money. The entrance hall at the “new” Pavilion carries a delightful colour scheme of brown and buff shades, while opposite the entrance, at which point patrons pass to right or left as the case may be, is a lovely landscape view. Entrance to the theatre proper is gained through silent swinging doors, which effectively exclude all exterior noises and do not permit even the suggestion of a draught.
We pass into a land of enchantment. We have been transported as it were on a magic carpet into a place of smiles, of Arcadian delights—aplace of bright lights and happy visions! That is the impression one gets on entering the “new” Pavilion.
The Touch of the Artist.
The essence of the colourful schemes introduced into the Pavilion Theatre by the C.C.C. is “lightness.” The outstanding feature of decoration that must inevitably attract the attention of those who will visit the Pavilion next week is a scheme of landscape scenery introduced on the exterior walls. The idea is original, and the effect altogether delightful. The “canvas” is Celotax and the subject an Italian garden, replete with tall trees, ornamental statuary, refreshing looking fountains, garlanded flowers and balustrades that fade most realistically into bewitching distances. The reflections are alluring, the effect altogether charming. This scheme has been carried out on the two inner sides of the building.
At the rear, wherein is concealed the operating box, the whole plan culminate in an enchanting medieval scene, the central motif of which is an ivy-clad English castle. Imitating costly tapistries, this landscape scene finishes at the stage end in a “mock’ staircase, while at each side of the proscenium is cleverly introduced the monogram “C.C.C.” in decorative letters. The whole is supported on imitation stone columns. It is an exquisite example of panoramic mural work. Beneath it as the back of the hall is a dado of light green and maroon, while the woodwork—handrails, and so on—is finished mahogany.
With such delights to contemplate, Pavilion goers will have to be excused for taking their eyes momentarily off the screen. This and the general scheme of decoration has been carried out for Messrs. Hart and Co., Union Mills, Dewsbury Road, Leeds, under the direction of Messrs. W. Sawyer. W. Hemsley and J. Bell. It may be said here that in the renovation of the Pavilion the new proprietors have employed a local contractor, and have stipulated that except where technical experts have been employed only local labour should be engaged.
Comfort The Chief Object.
The comfort of the patrons has been the chief thought of the C.C.C. in reconditioning the Pavilion, which is divided roughly into two sections, the floor of the fore part being level, and the rear or balcony rising by a very generous rake. This ensures that every person in the house has a clear and uninterrupted view of the screen. There is seating accommodation in the Pavilion for 1000 people, and while every seat is of the tip-up type, all but a few are upholstered in red plush.
As to prices? It is the intention of the proprietors to provide a first-class show at a popular charge. The prices of admission will be 4d. 6d. and 1s. (inclusive). Seven hundred of the 1000 seats are at the middle price. 1s seats are deep backed and fitted with arms, representing the very last word in restful comfort.
The floor of the Pavilion is another unique feature. It is of the “Bison” type, and a warm crimson in colour. This has the effect of deadening sound, is thoroughly hygienic, and easily cleaned.
With the picture entertainment at the pavilion will be dispensed first-class music. A full orchestra will be employed, under the talented direction of Mr. Wilfred Bailey, who has had a great deal of experience. The orchestra will occupy the usual position immediately in front of the screen. The screen above them is protected when not in use with a curtain of delicate blue. From the top of the proscenium are suspended the garlands of flowers that rival the pick of gardens, with a large vase of flowers immediately above the orchestra.
Safety Measures.
The Pavilion is fitted with all modern conveniences, and there are retiring places where patrons may “wash and brush up.”
In the interests of public safety additional exits have been introduced, one emitting on to land adjoining, and the other giving direct access on to Marsh Street. In case of emergency the Pavilion could be emptied inside a minute. Radiators diffuse a warm glow on cold nights. As to power and lighting, the Pavilion will draw from the Y.E.P. It will not, however, be entirely dependent on the ordinary supply, for, as a precautionary measure, a safety lighting charge room has been fitted up, with fourteen Premier storage cells. By this means sufficient current can be kept in reserve to permit the building being illuminated, while the patrons leave the house in an emergency.
The projector is of the “Simplex” type and fitted in duplicate. Clear and steady projection is assured. As to the quality of picture fare to be provided at the Pavilion—let the programmes speak for themselves. The Pavilion will positively be opened on Monday next.
The Manager
The Pavilion is to be managed by Mr. B. H. Pass, the former manager of the Hippodrome theatre, Wombwell.
Mr Pass has had a thorough “ground” in the film business, and for one who is comparatively young has had a wide evperience. To a “Mexboro’ and. Swinton Times” representative he related that he began work as an “effects” boy, which, the uninitiated may be interested to know, means that he had to reproduce artificially the “sounds” made by the characters or objects in the pictures. He imitated babbling brooks, screaming children, hooting motor cars, whistling engines, barking dogs, swishing waves, and galloping horses, for which purpose he was armed with cocoanut shells, sand-paper, and all other necessary impedimenta.
He must have done the mimicking business well, for he rapidly gained promotion. This work, he explained, needed a watchful eye and more skill than one would imagine. For it he received the princely salary of 9d. per show. At Bristol Mr. Pass worked his way into the operating box, and became chief operator at one of the principal theatres in the city.
Moving to Sheffield he became operator-electrician at Sheffield Empire, and afterwards was appointed chief operator for the Collin Morton Circuit at the Crookes Picture Theatre.
He came to Wombwell as an operator, and was eventually made manager for the C.C.C. at the Hippodrome Theatre. It may be truly said that what Mr. Pass does not know about the moving picture business is scarcely worth knowing. As their operator for the Pavilion the C.C.C. have again chosen a man of wide experience in Mr. G. Badman. Starting at the Palace in Bristol, Mr. Badman, like Mr. Pass, has been in .the business over twenty years.
The Contractors.
The principal contractors for the scheme of reconstruction effected at the Pavilion Theatre, Wombwell, were the Wombwell firm of Messrs. Wm. Johnson and Sons.
As constructional engineers and builders the firm are known throughout South Yorkshire; the construction of some of the most important buildings in the area have been entrusted to them. Messrs. Johnson and Sons are at present engaged on the erection of a Middle School at Conisboro’ for the West Riding County Council, and a senior school at Brampton Bierlow for the Ellis Charity Trust. The firm have specialised in the erection of public buildings, institutions, churches, chapels and places of entertainment, and have erected picture theatres at Carlton (Barnsley) and Grimethorpe. The task of reconstructing the Wombwell Pavilion demanded absolute accuracy in detail and a high degree of technical skill in order to meet the requirements of the new management and to comply with the County Council regulations, which become more and more scheme exacting. Features of the Pavilion scheme from the constructive standpoint are the suspended concrete balcony and the “bison” floor.
Messrs. Wm. Johnson and Son’s business was established in 1863. Some months ago the late Mr. Wm. Johnson was succeeded by his two grandsons, Mr. William Johnson Taylor, and Mr. Frank Johnson Taylor. The latter is well known in cricket circles, being a member of the Barnsley team and one of the Craven Gentlemen.
The Regent Restaurant.
It used to be said that Wombwell provided everything for the good of humanity except food. Now, however, this charge cannot possibly be sustained, for the Regent restaurant has filled the bill. Patrons will find the ‘`Regent” a cosy rendezvous after seeing the Pavilion.