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Plaza Theatre / Plaza Paramount / Apollo West End, Lower Regent Street, Now Regent Street, London

Above Left - The Plaza Theatre as originally built, from a period postcard, and Above Right - The Plaza, now sporting a Tesco Metro store and small cinema multiplex in 2005 - M.L.

The Plaza, later renamed the Plaza Paramount, was built in 1926 by Frank Verity for Paramount Pictures as a large and luxurious cinema with stage facilities. The films were supported by the Plaza Tiller Girls who complimented each feature with a unique stage performance and were renowned for their precision. The Theatre originally had four levels consisting of Stalls and Orchestra Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony, altogether seating 1929.

Right - Entrance to the Apollo West End Multiplex and part of the Tesco Metro store residing in the shell of the old Plaza Theatre - M.L. 2005.

In 1967 the Theatre was converted to a twin cinema at great expense but sadly most of the original decor was destroyed in the process leaving behind just a few fragments in the highest parts of the building.

Furthur conversion in 2004 has seen the Theatre all but destroyed with only the outer walls remaining. Now there is a Tesco store on the ground floor, and a new 5 screen cinema complex above called Apollo West End (Shown Above Right). The cinemas are all luxuriously fitted out but very small, the largest being only 170 seats.

The Plaza Opening Night Programme - 1st March 1926

The Plaza has been designed in the confident hope that it will prove a real home of entertainment in the heart of London for all who seek relaxation and amusement. After an intensive study of all the modern improvements which make for comfort and enjoyment in a motion picture theatre, we have adopted what we believe to be the most suitable for the Plaza. If we have been successful it is due to the whole hearted co-operation of the many who have helped in the work. We should, therefore, like to express our thanks here to the architect, MR. FRANK Verity, F.R.I.B.A.; the builder, MAJOR ARTHUR VIGOR ; and to all others who have contributed towards the erection of the Plaza.

Above Left - Opening night programme for the newly built Plaza Theatre 1926 - Click to see entire programme.

Above Right - Plaque commemorating the opening of the Plaza Theatre, from Universal Pictures, March 1st 1926 - Courtesy Stuart Brown.

Plaza Policy

The Plaza will be the London home of Paramount productions and others of equal merit, where it is hoped to present all that is best and most worthy in motion picture art. The Theatre was conceived and constructed for this purpose by the FAMOUS PLAYERS / LASKY CORPORATION. ADOLPH ZUKOR President.

There will be an entire change of programme every week, commencing each Monday. A continuous performance from 1.30 pm. to 11p.m., presenting four complete shows daily. The Theatre opens at 5.30p.m. on Sundays with a continuous performance commencing at 6.0 pm. presenting two complete shows. Feature films presented at the Plaza each week cannot be seen elsewhere for a period of from three to six months with the exception of "THE WANDERER,- Paramount's latest spectacle.

ADMISSION PRICES, Including Government Tax:

500 Balcony Seats at 2/4
1155 Orchestra Stalls at 3/6
190 Grand Circle at 5/9
84 Royal Circle at 7/6

For the PLAZA THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED
J. C GRAHAM. Chairman and Managing Director
A. KAUFMAN.
A. HIRST.
B. HICKS.

Above Right - The cast list from the opening programme
Click to see this and the rest of the programme enlarged.

Above - Three Programmes for 1930s features - Click to see programmes in detail.
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