ELECTRIC THEATRE
The Electric Theatre was opened in 1911 at the south end of the High St. Follow this link for more information.
Review below from the Burnham Gazette 1915.
THE RITZ
Built on the site of the old Lifeboat Restaurant pavilion.
Below are two pages from the souvenir programme for the opening.
Other movies shown during the first few weeks were:
‘The Broadway Gondolier’ a musical comedy with Dick Powell & Joan Blondell; ‘Hearts Desire’ with Richard Tauber; ‘Top Hat’ with Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers; ‘The Millionaire’, a comedy with George Arliss; ‘Someday’ a drama with Margaret Lockwood; ‘The Irish In Us’ another comedy with James Cagney & Pat O’Brien and ‘Shipmates Forever’ with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. Coming attractions included George Formby in ‘No Limit’ and Flanagan & Allen in ‘A Fire Has Been Arranged.’
More information from the programme forward can be found at the link above.
Particular mention was also made of the auditorium in which “the main decorative feature is the proscenium, which is of strikingly original design. This is illuminated by a system of three colour lighting, whilst the lighting of the remainder of the auditorium is in a pale amber shade….The side wsall treatment is by horizontal and vertical bands, leading across the ceiling, and thence enclosing the proscenium…..The stage curtains have been selected to form an integral part of the decorations, both architecturally and artistically, while the elaborate system of illuminating them, combined with the unusual lighting of the auditorium, give an infinite range of colour effects which are both novel and harmonious. The seating is of the most luxurious type, with super sprung seats and deeply curved backs”
The acoustics were enhanced by treating the auditorium with “the latest type of sound absorbing material. This eliminates any possibility of echo, and ensures a perfectly correct reverberation period.”
My mother, Heather Hagon (later Makins, then Cavell), then aged 7, presented Binnie Hale with a bouquet. She was very proud of this. Ben Travers referred to here was the play write who wrote many West End hits including the farce Rookery Nook. He lived in a large house off the Berrow Road which was famous for its parties I believe. This in the day when Burnham had style!!
Hi Ben, I understand your Mum compiled a list of Charlie Pearson postcards. I have the first issue from 1978 where it alludes to expansion in time! Do you know if there was ever an update and where I can purchase a copy.
Thanks for your comment Ben. We now have a dedicated page on Ben Travers under the ‘People / Scientists & Artists menu.