Grand Cinema, Frodsham.

Grand Cinema

 

Revised 20.05.2025

 

The Grand cinema, Frodsham was situated by the railway bridge in Church Street. The bridge is next to the station and a slight vibration could be felt in the cinema whenever a train roared over it. The cinema was also near the infant school. Children from there, including myself were taken to see the 1953 film on the climbing of Everest.

The Grand replaced the Chapel Lane, now Fluin Lane Picture Palace, known as the Frodsham Picture Palace, which opened in July 1912. Later, it was known as the Frodsham Picture House. A converted chapel, it was run by James Hurrell, a Tranmere hotel keeper. This continued to run for a short time after the Grand’s opening.

The lessee of the Frodsham Picture Palace in 1923 was Thomas Robert Fyall. He was also the manager. He was from Durham and had been a variety artist. He took over the lease from Frank Ellis. Ellis had taken on a five-year lease in 1918 with G.P. Fenton. Fyall had been the manager under Ellis and G.P. Fenton. Also in 1918, the cinema went continuous. This was from 1st August with the film ‘Civilisation’. It was continuous from 6.30 – 10.30 and admission prices were 4d, 8d and a shilling. Fyall staged a number of shows at The Frodsham Picture Palace, often advertised in the stage magazine.

On Wednesday 11th May 1921 there was a second complementary benefit performance for Tom Fyall. It proved to be a success. A high-class variety performance was given at the Frodsham Picture Palace. A pianoforte solo was given by Mr Tom Gorst. In monologues, Mr Chas Thompson introduced scenes from ‘Dickens’. Fred Leslie’s humorous songs and stories were much enjoyed. The orchestra was under the leadership of Arthur Forster. Tom Fyall thanked the company for their presence and the artists for their gratuitous service.

Projection at the cinema was the Gaumont type. The stage had a twenty-foot opening and was twelve feet deep.

By 1924 the cinema was closed and Tom Fyall took over as the manager of the Grand from David Stratton, nine months after it’s opening, having spent five years at the Frodsham Picture House. Stratton, who had worked at the Scala cinema, Runcorn was the Grand’s first manager. He had been a comedian before entering cinema management. In November 1923 he was made an Indian chief when he was capped with feathers and did a war dance. Mr Stratton became Chief White Eagle. The ceremony was performed at the Grand by Chief Red Beaver of Canada. A large audience was present to see this. In December 1923 he returned to the Scala and later moved to the King’s, Runcorn.

Shares were offered for the Grand by the Frodsham Cinema Company Ltd and was dated 14th August 1922. The capital was £8000 in £1 shares. To acquire a lease of land at Church Street, Frodsham for 999 years at a ground rent of £40 for the first ninety nine years, and £70 thereafter for the purpose of building a cinema. The building was designed by Warrington architects Wright and Hamlyn, based in Sankey Street. It was estimated to cost £5000 to build and another £1000 for fittings. The directors estimated that the total expenses would not be more than £57 10s 0d per week This included film hire, wages, management ground rent, rates, lighting, heating, directors’ fees, accountancy, secretary’s salary, advertising and incidental expenses. The first directors were Joseph Gilmour Kydd, L. Pollard and Robert Hamilton, who ran several halls, including the Empress and Scala Runcorn. Robert Hamilton’s full name was Robert Hamilton Godfrey, who ran Cheshire County Cinemas He passed away on 16th May1935 at the age of sixty. Secretary was J. G. Aston. Bankers were London County Westminster & Parr’s Bank, Limited, Frodsham. Solicitors were Linaker & Linaker, 60 High Street, Runcorn. Auditors were Wakefield, Dodd & Thornley, 16, Corn Exchange Chambers, Chester. Films were booked at the cinema by manager Tom Fyall. Other people connected were P. Finnerty, D. Harris, S Long and T. Goodhall.

The prospectus said: The Company has been formed for the purpose of acquiring a lease of a plot of land containing 667 square yards situate in Church Street, Frodsham for a term of 999 years subject to a yearly ground rent of £40 for the first 99 years and £60 for the remainder of the term and for the purpose of building thereon an up-to-date Cinema of a size and possessing accommodation commensurate with the population of Frodsham and the immediate surrounding district.

It was stated that the site is an ideal one, being in the principal business street of Frodsham and in close proximity to the Railway Station.

It was stated that the ventilation and heating will receive special attention, and the lanterns and projection apparatus will be of the very best and selected by an expert and recognised authority. Seating, it was said will be comfortable and a clear and perfect view of the screen will be assured from all parts of the house.

Seating capacity was to be around 700, but in the Kine Yearbooks it is listed as only housing 480. The seating was the tip-up type.

There was a small balcony and if you sat near the back, the running of the projector could be heard. I understand that the projectors were the Kalee 8 model. It was stated at one point that Kalee machines were in over seventy-five percent of cinemas in the UK. In 1950 the Grand installed Kalee Universal carbon arc lamps. The projection room also housed a slide lantern.

The local press states that the inaugural ceremony of the Grand’s opening took place on Saturday 31st March 1923 in the afternoon.

The first performance took place on Easter Monday, 2nd April 1923. It was stated that the three houses on Easter Monday were well patronised. Some sources state the opening was in November 1923.

The cinema was opened earlier than expected, the prospectus stating that it was proposed to have the cinema ready for opening in November. This could be the reason for mistakenly thinking it opened in November.

In the Bioscope magazine dated 15th August 1928 it says, L. Pollard has been appointed chairman of the Frodsham Cinema Company Ltd in place of the late Joseph Gilmore Kydd. H. Knight is the new vice chairman. Joseph Gilmour Kydd was born on the 5th August 1863 and died on 18th June 1928.

The first “Talkie” film, I understand was ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’ (1929) with the sound on disc. Shortly after, films had the soundtrack on the side of the film. Some recall the sound at the Grand going out of sync when screening sound on disc. This would be caused by the stylus (needle) jumping, which could happen if a door was slammed.

On the 28th September 1936 the Grand was taken over from Frodsham Cinema Company Ltd by Stanley Grimshaw, who was involved with Byrom Picture Houses Ltd. The Chester Chronicle dated 26 September 1936 states that the cinema will be closed for two weeks for alterations. It said: In addition to a thorough renovation and decoration, new seating will be installed, while the electric lighting system and the sound system will be brought up-to-date. It is expected that about one thousand pounds will be spent on the renovation and alterations. At the front exterior of the hall neon lighting will be installed and the picture house will be brought into line with all the modern halls.

On the 29th December 1938 the Liverpool Echo reported that negotiations were completed today for the purchase by Mr Philip Hanmer, managing director, Regent Enterprises Ltd, of the cinema interests held by Mr Stanley Grimshaw in Byrom Picture Houses Ltd, and associated companies. Philip M. Hanmer took over on the 2nd January 1939.

The theatres controlled by Byrom Picture Houses Ltd, were the Derbyshire cinema, Gaiety cinema, New Adelphi cinema, Burlington cinema, all of Liverpool; the King’s Picture House, Heswall, the Grand, Frodsham and the Tivoli, Buckley. The associated companies controlled the Prince of Wales cinema, Liverpool and the Glynn and Empire cinemas Wrexham.

Films at the Grand were booked by Philip M. Hanmer at 51, North John Street Liverpool. Later, he moved to 51A Rodney Street, Liverpool. Shows at the Grand were three days only, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Friday, Saturday. There was never any Sunday opening. Films would be screened in the evening from 5.30, but there were matinees on Wednesday at 2.15 and Saturday at 2.15. During the week films would be continuous from 5.30 and there were separate performances on Saturday evenings at 6 and 8.15. Children’s matinees were eventually introduced at 2pm on Saturdays. The children would be treated to a comedy, a cartoon, a feature, usually a western and a serial. Flash Gordon was one of those, leaving the excited young audience wondering how their hero would get out of yet another predicament.

In the 1950s Cinemascope was installed with side masking. The stage was thirteen feet deep and the proscenium width twenty-four feet. There were two dressing rooms under the stage. In the early days of the Grand stage productions were often staged. The screen was pushed back for these. In 1923 a show called ‘Headlights’ was staged. This was shortly after its opening. One live performance was by a German tenor, who performed in August 1937. Others giving live entertainment included: Norman Langford and his Manx Mascots, appearing in July 1925. Comedian Archie Wallen played at the cinema on a few occasions. Commencing August the 3rd 1925 Marie Danvers Smith appeared with her number one repertoire Company and put on plays for a period of three weeks. They included ‘My Sweetheart’ and ‘A Double Life’. A visit from the RAF band ‘The Rafians’ took place on the 8th December 1940. The proceeds went to the local Spitfire Fund and the Christmas Comforts Fund for local soldiers. On Sunday July 11th 1944 there was a Grand Concert by the Royal Artillery (Portsmouth) Band. The proceeds went to the Royal Artillery Benevolent Fund. Prices for this were three shillings in the balcony, rear stalls two shillings and threepence and the rest of the stalls one shilling and sixpence.

Tom Fyall often entertained on the Grand stage with musicians. There was Fred Ellison, who played the cornet, Harry Jones, bass player and Charlie Boyers on cello. There was also a drummer and violinist, both unknown. Other entertainers included the Josie Taylor accordion band from Wales, singer Laura Plummer and the Frodsham brass band.

The hall was coloured red and gold. There were windows each side of the auditorium which were covered with curtains. The stage curtains, known as tabs were red with a gold fringe. Seats were red plush. The curtains and Wilton and cork carpet were supplied by Beck and Windibank Ltd, Birmingham. Steps led to the small foyer where there was a paybox on the right. Next to the paybox was the manager’s office. The balcony staircase was opposite the paybox.. Entrance to the stalls was straight ahead. The staircase walls had posters in frames advertising forthcoming attractions. The attraction that was being screened was advertised in still frames. There were four stills in each frame on the outside wall at the left and right. There was no balcony lounge. At the top of the staircase there was a door that took you into the small balcony. When the cinema was closed there were concertina gates across the front of the building for added security. Beyond these was a small covered area. In front were red doors leading into the small foyer. Above the small entrance was a small sign stating The Grand. There was red neon, spelling Grand at the top of the building, just above three windows.

Manager Tom Fyall had a dance troupe called Tom Fyall’s Dainty Dots. Fyall had been a manager in County Durham before moving to Frodsham. He lived in Frodsham at Tynedale, Kingsway. He left the Grand in 1937 to go and work at the newly opened Regal Rhyl. In 1938 he managed at the re-opening of the Queen’s theatre Rhyl but still retained management of the Regal. Then John (Jack) Patrick Scully from Liverpool, a former projectionist took over the management of the Grand. He was granted the licence on Wednesday 3rd November 1937. In 1939 F.J. Baker from Huyton became the manager. The licence was granted on the 6th December 1939. On Wednesday 13th March 1940 Doris Helen Bolton ( Some sources stating Doris E. Bolton), so it is possible it was Doris Ellen Bolton, became the manager.

In January 1939 the pantomime ‘Aladdin’ was presented for three days from Monday 23rd January to full houses, many being turned away. It was presented by the 1st Flint Boy Scouts Troop. Laura Plummer, who was from Frodsham took on the role. It was said her acting and singing was of a high standard. The ladies dresses were under the supervision of Frodsham resident Joan Hayes, who also did a great deal regarding publicity and general arrangements. It was hoped that at least one hundred pounds to be shared between the cancer campaign and the scout fund. The promoters were also 7fortunate in having the assistance of Miss Rene Morris from Flint, who was the Rayon Queen. She appeared at every performance and gave a short description of the narrative. She was presented with a bouquet by Pat Scully, the daughter of the cinema’s manager.

For many years one of the operators’ was a woman by the name of Doris Woolam, some sources say Woollam from Red Lane, Frodsham. One source days she joined the cinema in 1940 as an attendant and cleaner, going into the operating box around 1943. Another says she went to the Grand in 1930, later going into the projection box. It may be 1930, because James Connolly, a part time projectionist said she was trained by John Scully, the manager and he wasn’t there in the 1940s. The last manager was James Turner, who had the nick name of Jimmy Pictures. Each evening he would greet patrons dressed in an evening suit. He became manager of the Grand in 1956, having gone there in 1939 as a projectionist. Originally from North Wales he was there when it closed.

Other staff members over the years included Annie Beswick, an usherette, Josie Aston, usherette, Mary Kelso from Marsh Lane, an usherette who also helped in the projection room, Roy Rush, who was an operator, Joyce Eaton the cashier and Majorie Maguire (married name), who worked there part time for eight shillings a week and also rewound films in the small rewind room, that was without a door, next to the operating box. Anne Coppack, position unknown also helped in the projection box.

James Connolly was a part time projectionist, who by day worked at the BICC cable works in Helsby. James told me that he had to give up working at the cinema because war had just broken out and he was required to put more hours in at the factory. James told me others who had worked at the cinema were, Bill Eaton, a doorman, Cyril Valentine, projectionist, Len Connolly, James’s cousin, a part time projectionist, who was a postman by day and Jack Courtney, a chief projectionist.

Up until the 1950s film was nitrate, and could easily burst into flames. Because of this film was shipped in cans containing 1000ft rolls giving a running time of 11 minutes. Many cinemas, including the Grand, joined two rolls together to give 22 minutes running time, before changing over to the other projector. When safety base arrived 2000ft rolls were sent.

The last film was ‘Carry on Regardless’ and a ‘Scotland Yard’ short shown for the last time on Saturday the 5th August 1961. It then became a bingo hall, which opened on the 8th August 1961, only lasting until the end of September. It then remained empty before demolition. Bingo sessions took place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. A report says that on the first night of eyes down there were only one hundred and ten in attendance with a top prize of nineteen guineas. After the first evening there were only around forty trying their luck. James Turner became the manager of the bingo hall. He lived in Marsh Lane, Frodsham and went on to set up his own window cleaning business and passed away in 1974.

Byrom Picture Houses Ltd put the building up for sale. Demolition work was practically completed by February 1962. The site was untouched until 1964. A supermarket called Mark Down, later Hanbury’s was built on the site. Mark Down opened on 30th September 1965. W.H. Smith now occupy the site.

David A. Ellis © chestercinemas.co.uk

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