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Imperial Theatre / Essoldo Cinema, 134 North Street, Brighton

Brighton's Theatres Index

Above - The Imperial Theatre from a wartime Programme.

The Imperial Theatre in North Street, Brighton was built in 1939/40 by S. Beverley and was opened in April 1940 as a Variety Theatre by Jack Buchanan.

Right - Programme for 'The Light of Heart' at the Imperial Theatre, Brighton - Click for details.

It had a fine interior with a late Art Deco feel and seated 1875. The Theatre was rarely used for live theatre however, more often showing films.

Left - Programme for 'The Devil's Disciple' at the Imperial Theatre, Brighton - Click for details.

In 1948 it became the Essoldo Cinema. Later still it was used for Bingo and then finally as a Bowling Alley and Night Club called Hotspots.

Right - Programme for 'Music For The Millions' at the Imperial Theatre, Brighton in October 1947 - Click for details.

Despite the fact that the balcony was removed when the Theatre was converted for Bowling, much of the Theatre remained and it was hoped that the building could be restored and converted back to its former use.

Left - Programme for 'Outrageous Fortune' at the Imperial Theatre, Brighton in November 1947 - Click for details.

However the Theatre has now been demolished and the site has been rebuilt with shops and residential property.

Right - Programme for '1066 and all That' at the Imperial Theatre, Brighton - Click for details.

Left - Programme for 'High Tide' at the Imperial Theatre, Brighton - Click for details and also see article below.

For more information and images of the Theatre during it's Essoldo years
you may like to visit this site...

Jack Hylton and Bram Martin

From the Imperial Theatre Programme for 'High Tide'

Jack Hylton's interests range from shows like "HighTide" to the presentation of Britain's large Musical Festival at the Harringay Arena.

Jack has long wanted to present Brighton with a really big musical, and now with every modern facility available to him at the Imperial, he is really "going to town."

In addition to the well-known names in the cast of "High Tide," there are several artistes Mr. Hylton has found and brought into the forefront, because he believes in giving youth a chance.

Although Jack Hylton works for over 14 hours a day and gives his staff very little rest, he is one of the best loved men in the theatre.

He has recently been described by his friend, Bud Flanagan, as "that lovable fellow who wants everything done two days ago."

In spite of his insatiable love of work, he still finds time for a game of golf, and an occasional day's racing.

The association of Jack Hylton and Bram Martin is no new one, and started 18 years ago. Bram Martin and his Orchestra have been responsible for the music in some of the biggest London shows, such as those by Andre Chariot, the famous Cochran shows at the London Pavilion, with William Mallison and in many other big West End productions.

His long series of broadcasts before and during the war are also too well-known to be re-capitulated. Bram Martin has under his charge one of the finest and most costly theatre orchestras in the country.

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