The Dalston Theatre, 12 Dalston Lane, Hackney

Formerly - The North London Colosseum and Amphitheatre - Later The Dalston Picture House / Gaumont Cinema / Four Aces Club / Labyrinth Club

Introduction and Early History - The Dalston Theatre - The Dalston Picture House / Gaumont Cinema - Later History and Demolition

Above - The Main Entrance of the former Dalston Theatre in a photograph taken in November 1949 whilst in use as a Cinema and sporting the Gaumont Name.

The original building on this site, situated on Dalston Lane at the corner of Rosebery Place, Hackney, was the North London Colosseum and Amphitheatre. It was originally proposed to be opened with a 'Grand Afternoon Concert' and 'Monster Evening Gala Entertainment' in aid of the Metropolitan Free Hospital on the 16th of October 1886, see press cutting shown right

Right - An Advertisement for the proposed opening of the North London Colosseum and Amphitheatre, Dalston Junction - From The Era, 31st of July 1886.

However, on the day of the proposed opening its Licence was refused as the application was said to have been submitted too late.

In the end the charity event for the Metropolitan Free Hospital was staged on the 30th of October 1886 instead, and the building was officially opened as the North London Colosseum and Amphitheatre for the winter season on Monday the 1st of November 1886.

Left - The Opening Advertisement for the North London Colosseum and Amphitheatre - From the Eastern Argus and Borough of Hackney Times, 16the of October 1886.

Although the charity opening on the 30th of October was reported on quite favourably the actual opening seems to have been less enthusiastically received. Amongst the entertainments advertised for the official opening were 'George Ginnett's miscallanious attractions', whatever they were, a 'Full Company of Star Artistes', who were unnamed, a large stud of 'Highly Trained Horses, a heard of elephants, a den of forest bred performing lions, Reindeer, Spanish Bulls, &.c. and a Full Band.' Quite a line up, although it all seems a little more hype than quality in retrospect.

Building work on the venue had taken a considerable time for the period, most of 1886 in fact. It was constructed by Wilkes and Co., and designed by Alfred Brandreth, with decorations by F. Hurwitz. The building, which was 120 feet in length by 80 feet wide, had a 40 foot diameter Circus Ring in the centre. The venue was said to have been able to accommodate upwards of 4,000 people in some press reviews of the opening although this seems like a bit of an exaggeration considering the size of the venue. However, there was also an annex at the side of the building which was constructed as a Winter Garden and Promenade with a Smoking Lounge so maybe this accounted for the reported 4,000 capacity.

Right - An Advertisement for the North London Colosseum and Ampitheatre - From the London Evening Standard, 18th of January 1887.

The main Hall was reported to have had six private boxes and the auditorium Stalls were said to have been 'very handsomely upholstered'. There was also a large 250 light Sun-burner in the centre of the Ceiling to illuminate and ventilate the auditorium and Circus Ring.

During the construction a brick layer named Henry Garton fell from scaffolding whilst erecting brickwork on one of the arches near the top of the building and died in hospital a few hours later. At the inquest it was said to have been an accidental death, construction of Theatres and the like was clearly a dangerous business in the 19th century.

When it finally opened on the 1st of November 1886 the Circus and Concert venue was said to have actually been able to accommodate some 3,000 people, not 4,000 as in earlier reports, but it was not a very successful venture whatever the capacity, and by the following year it was being used as a Variety Theatre instead sometimes under the name of North London Colosseum Theatre.

It then ran under a succession of different names for the next few years, as the North London Colosseum and Amphitheatre mostly, but sometimes as the North London Colosseum and National Hippodrome, and the London Colosseum and National Amphitheatre.

Left - An Advertisement for the Sale of the North London Colosseum and Amphitheatre, Dalston - From The Era, 27th of July 1898.

But whatever the name it was still in its original form as a Hippodrome Circus type venue so must have been a cavernous and rather drafty venue for Variety Shows. It wasn't long before the whole venture was abandoned and the building was then sold and reconstructed as The Dalston Theatre in 1898, see sale advert left and details below.

The Dalston Theatre

Above - A Sketch showing the Front Entrance to the Dalston Theatre in the early 1900s - Shown here with a Creative Commons Licence from Woody London at the Cinema Treasures Website.

In 1898 the building was reconstructed as a proper Theatre by Kirk and Kirk, designed by the architects Wylson and Long, and renamed the Dalston Theatre. The new Dalston Theatre opened on Monday the 25th of July 1898 and had an auditorium on two levels, stalls and one circle, decorated in the Italian renaissance style.

Right - An early pantomime programme for the Pantomime 'Cinderella' at the Dalston Theatre under the management of Milton Bode and Edward Compton - Billed as 'Dalston's Third Grand Christmas Pantomime' so probably produced in the early 1900s.

The ERA printed a review of the new building in their 30th of July, 1898 edition saying:- 'By the opening on Monday night of the handsome new theatre adjoining Dalston junction a notable addition has been made to the outlying playhouses of London. It enjoys the important advantages of being situated in a densely populated district, close to one of the principal stations on the North London line, while tramcars pass the door every few minutes.

The enterprising proprietors claim to have given London a new type of playhouse, it being arranged with only one tier above the ground floor. It is not many years since Sir Henry Irving suggested a house of this class, and called it his patent safety theatre; but it has been reserved for Messrs Bode and Compton, and their architects, Messrs Wylson and Long, of 16, King William-street, Strand, to be the first to put the principles then suggested into practice, as far as the site and surroundings would allow.

The new house is entered by an unusually spacious vestibule and entrance hall from Dalston lane. The stalls are reached from this entrance by a few steps down. On each side of the stalls are very cosy looking private boxes, the fronts of which add greatly to the decorative design of the interior.

The staircase leading to the dress circle is of noble proportions, and is decorated, together with the entrance hall and vestibule in light tones. It leads first to a cheerful little lounge decorated with warm colours, and very comfortably furnished. The dress-circle is of great width and is finished next the stage by large stage boxes, and at each side by family boxes.

Immediately behind the dress-circle seats is a row of Continental boxes, and at the rear of these is the gallery. As the gallery is really a continuation of the rake of the dress-circle the occupants of the gallery obtain an excellent view of the stage. The pit and gallery are entered from Rosebery-place. The former is of great size, and has been given a grand rake to enable all to have an uninterrupted view. Indeed, it is impossible to find in any part of the house a seat that does not fully command the stage.

Left - Cast details from an early pantomime programme for 'Cinderella' at the Dalston Theatre under the management of Milton Bode and Edward Compton - Billed as 'Dalston's Third Grand Christmas Pantomime' so probably produced in the early 1900s.

The decorations of the auditorium are Italian renaissance in style, and every ornament and moulding has received the same care as the designing of the building itself. The domed ceiling is believed to be the largest in London, and the ornament is finished in light tints of colour richly relieved with gilding.

All boxes and the proscenium-opening are draped with rep curtains of a deep red tone, which, by contrast with the delicate tones of colour used in the decorations, give an effect of great magnificence to the whole interior.

The building has been erected by Messrs Kirk and Kirk, of Esher-street, Westminster, and the constructional ironwork by Messrs Dennett and Ingle, of 5, Whitehall. The decorations were carried out by Mr J. M. Boekbinder, and the upholstery and furniture by Messrs Shoolbred and Co. The stage is of a size capable of taking any production, with a proscenium opening of great width, and has been fitted up by Messrs Cawdery and Co.

Right - A Commemorative box with an Inscription plate, from the Dalston Theatre, dated 1910-1911. The Box was presented to Henry de Solla with the inscription 'In Appreciation to Henry De Solla From the Principals Sinbad 1910 - 11 Dalston Theatre' - Courtesy Jeffrey Price, Great Grandson of Henry De Solla.

The whole of the building is lighted by an electric light installation by Messrs Strode and Co., and is also fully provided with gas lighting by Messrs Vaughan and Brown, who have also executed the fire hydrants and appliances. The entire building, together with its accessories, has been carried out under the personal superintendence of the architects.

On Monday evening the programme was opened by Mr Franklin Clive singing the national anthem, accompanied by the orchestra, conducted for this night only by Mr Walter Slaughter, the audience rising and assisting.

Left - A Commemorative box Inscription plate, from the Dalston Theatre, dated 1910-1911. The Box was presented to Henry de Solla with the inscription 'In Appreciation to Henry De Solla From the Principals Sinbad 1910 - 11 Dalston Theatre' - Courtesy Jeffrey Price, Great Grandson of Henry De Solla.

This was followed by the performance of the comedietta, entitled Hook and Eye, the author, Mr Eille Norwood appearing successfully as Ned Fairleigh. Mr Clifford Bown was amusing as the ex-sergeant, Joshua Gedling, Miss Mona Harrison was a pleasing Sylvia, and Mr A, W. Munroe appeared as Harry Selbourne.

Mr Milton Bode, who, as well as the architect, met with a very hearty reception, added a few words of welcome, hope, and promise, also acknowledging the good work done by the architects, builders, and decorator.

Right - An Advertisement for the Pantomime 'Sinbad the Sailor' at the Dalston Theatre in 1911 - From the Islington Gazette, 6th of January 1911.

Amongst those present were Mr J. B. Mulholland, of the Metropole, Camberwell; Mr A. T. Henderson, of the Grand, Fulham; Mr Isaac Cohen, of the Pavilion, Mile-end; Mr W. Clarkson, and others. We may add that there is an excellent orchestra, of which Mr E. T. De Banzie is director; and that Mr H. Emmerson has been appointed acting-manager.'

The above text (edited) in quotes was first published in the ERA, 20th July 1898.

The Dalston Picture House

Formerly - The Dalston Theatre - Later the Gaumont Cinema

Above - The Entrance to the Dalston Picture House, formerly the Dalston Theatre, when it reopened in 1920 - From the Kinematograph Weekly, 9th of December 1920.

The Dalston Theatre had first opened in 1898 and continued as a Variety Theatre and Playhouse until October 1919 when its lease expired. The Theatre was then bought by Biocolor Picture Theatres in 1920 who then set about virtually demolishing the old Theatre for the construction of a new purpose built Cinema on the site. Only the retaining walls, exit staircases, and front entrance of the old Theatre were kept whilst internally the whole Theatre was gutted and rebuilt. Unusually for Cinema conversions of this time the Stage House of the old Theatre was also demolished and not replaced for the new Cinema so there would be no live shows at the new Dalston Picture House. Indeed the Cinema Screen itself was painted on a plaster wall set into a dark frame with a blue night sky effect and had an aluminum surface with little space behind it.

Right - An Advertisement for the opening of the Dalston picture House - From the Daily Mirror, 4th of December 1920.

The new Cinema was constructed by Townson and Sons and designed by the architect F. Edward Jones, who was assisted by the well known Theatre Architect Robert Cromie. The new Dalston Picture House had an auditorium on two levels, stalls and one massive cantilevered balcony, with accommodation for nearly 3,000 people altogether, 1,500 in the Stalls and nearly as many in the Balcony which had 26 rows of seats. Although the original Dalston Theatre's auditorium walls had been kept, they had to be raised to accommodate the height of the new Cinema's auditorium, which was designed in a 'freely treated Greek' style with decorations in Cream and Gold, and seating in grey plush cord, although the front of the circle had seats which were upholstered in gold silk. A small forestage in front of the screen allowed for a large orchestra pit beneath it for 26 musicians. The projection room was housed at the back of the Stalls enabling a straight throw onto the screen from its three Simplex Projectors.

Above - The Auditorium of the Dalston picture House when it first opened in 1920 - From The Kinomatograph Weekly, 9th of December 1920.

The new Dalston Picture House, as it was called when it opened on the 6th of December 1920 with a showing of the film 'The Illustrious Prince', also had a large café, 80 feet by 50 feet, with seating for 300 people.

Right - The Tea Room at the Dalston Picture House when it first opened in 1920 - From The Bioscope, 9th of December 1920.

The Cinema's Entrance Hall which was reached through a long corridor from the main entrance was said to have been very impressive. The Kinomatograph Weekly described it in their 9th of December 1920 edition saying:- 'The entrance hall and approaching corridor is particularly impressive. The decorative scheme is in black and gold, but there is a wonderful variety of colours in the black and in the gold. Below the cornice the wall has a soft black note in which rosettes stand out in gold, and the wall panels are hung with a printed varnished paper with a Chinese motif in the design. The main supporting plasters are in black on a brilliant blue ground, and the arch and piers are in a very subtle tone of green. A "Magicoal" electric fire gives warmth and cheerfulness. As soon as the visitor has bought his admission ticket he finds waiting and at his service a cigarette shop and a chocolate shop, one on either side of him, on his way in.'

Above - An Advertising Photograph showing the Auditorium of the Dalston Picture House after the 1920 reconstruction of the former Dalston Theatre - From The Bioscope, 11th of March 1920.

Amazingly, despite all the changes to the old Dalston Theatre and its conversion and rebuild into the Dalston Picture House in 1920, the main entrance to the Cinema on Dalston Lane was still that of the original Circus building of 1886.

Right - An Early Photograph of the Auditorium of the 1920 Dalston Picture House - Photo shown here with a Creative Commons Licence from Woody London at the Cinema Treasures Website.

Biocolor Picture Theatres were taken over by Gaumont in 1927 but the Theatre retained its name until the late 1940s when it was renamed the Gaumont, a name which it retained until its closure on the 19th of November 1960 with a final showing of the films 'The Seige of Sydney Street' and 'Hello London'.

The Four Aces and Labyrinth Club and later Demolition

Above - The Rosebery Place elevation of the former Dalston Theatre / Dalston Picture House / Gaumont Cinema in a photograph taken in 1973 whilst the building was in use as a Car Auction House.

After its closure the Cinema's Auditorium was put to use as a warehouse for the supermarket Tesco for a while, and then as a car auction room, see image right, although the Foyer and former Tea Room were used as a nightclub called 'The Four Aces'.

Right - The Auditorium of the former Dalston Picture Theatre / Gaumont Cinema being used as a car auction room - Photo shown here with a Creative Commons Licence from Woody London at the Cinema Treasures Website.

The former Cinema itself was later put to use as the 'Labyrinth Club' which was billed as Europe's first indoor acid house rave club, but the whole building was eventually closed down by Hackney Council in 1998, they had bought the site way back in 1977 and had long planned for its redevelopment, but long delays after its closure saw the building becoming more and more derelict over the ensuing years and despite opposition from the Theatres Trust, the CTA, the Georgian Group, and local campaigners the building was eventually demolished in February 2007. The site of the former Dalston Theatre, along with a large block of land either side of it was then used for the creation of a new Library, housing, shops, and the entrance to the new Dalston Junction Overground Station, see image below.

Above - A Google StreetView Image showing Dalston Lane in April 2015, pictured is the new Dalston Junction Overground Station, and further along the street at the junction with Rosebery Place, the site of the former Dalston Theatre / Dalston Picture House, Gaumont Cinema, now the Hackney Archives Library - Click to Interact.

There are some photographs of the interior of the former Dalston Picture House / Gaumont Cinema shortly before its demolition in the slideshow below, and some more, including the demolition itself, can be seen here. An interesting and passionate history of the site can also be read here.

Above - A Slideshow of photographs taken inside the former Dalston Picture House / Gaumont Cinema shortly before its demolition in 2007 - Photos Courtesy Mark Luggie, James Smith and Billy Dickinson.

Above - The Main Entrance of the former Dalston Theatre / Dalston Picture House / Gaumont Cinema in September 2003 - Photograph courtesy Andrew Woodyatt.

Above - The Rosebery Place elevation of the former Dalston Theatre / Dalston Picture House / Gaumont Cinema in September 2003 - Photograph courtesy Andrew Woodyatt.

Above - The Rosebery Place elevation of the former Dalston Theatre / Dalston Picture House / Gaumont Cinema shortly before its demolition in 2007 - Courtesy Mark Luggie. The Poster seen here was for the venue's last incarnation as the 'Labyrinth Club'.