Cinemas became a major news topic following the releases of Barbie and Oppenheimer which helped the film industry bounce back from the pandemic.
But its not all good news, with one of Birmingham's most prized assets closing its doors - and under threat of demolition. There has been upset across the city and beyond at the sudden closure of The Electric cinema on Station Street. The glamorous art deco building was Britain's oldest working cinema, serving audiences since 1909 - thousands have signed a petition to save The Electric.
Birmingham still has a number of top cinemas for people across the city to enjoy the best new films in the city centre including, Everyman Mailbox, the Mockingbird Cinema in Digbeth and the Odeon on Broadway Plaza, to name a few.
Although times have changed as the city was once home to many cinemas and there are several that no longer in use. Although number of the old buildings have been knocked down, cinema buildings are still a fascinating important tool when examining the history of Birmingham through the decades.
Some of the lost buildings which once showed Hollywood blockbusters are still standing in the city today although they are somewhat rundown. So, let’s take a look at Birmingham’s lost cinemas.
1. Winson Green Grove Cinema, Dudley Road, Winson Green
The Grove Cinema was opened in August 1932 and was sold to an independent operator in 1978. After 50 years in business, the cinema closed its doors in October 1981. One of the cinema’s last showings was ‘Used Cars’ featuring Kurt Russell | Flickr
2. Royalty Cinema, Harborne
Harborne’s Royalty Cinema was a real landmark for the neighbourhood and going there was a tradition for residents. It first opened as a cinema in 1930, but a major fire in 2018 left it in disrepair. It remains closed today | Google
3. Odeon Queensway Cinema, Scala Building, Holloway Circus
Birmingham’s lost cinema is now actually hidden underground. It’s buried beneath Scala House. The cinema closed in September 1988 and has remained empty and unused ever since | Flickr - Elliot Brown
4. Capitol Cinema, Alum Rock Road, Saltley
The 900-seat Capitol Cinema opened in 1925 and was extremely popular with locals in the area. It was even enlarged to 1,407 seats in 1929. It underwent major refurbishment In 1964 before closing its doors in 1996 | Flickr Photo: Flickr