State

Designed by architect Frederick Chancellor of Frank Matcham & Company, the State Cinema opened in 1938 and became one of the most completely preserved and 'theatrical' of late 1930s cinemas. It has a striking exterior, with a faience-clad tower over the entrance facade with a recessed frieze under the flat overhanging roof carrying the word "State" in large squared capitals. However it was for the quality of its interior that it was listed in 1985 to prevent demolition. This comprised a large but relatively simple auditorium, with standard mouldings either side of the proscenium, behind Art Deco entrance foyers. The original projectors were retained alongside a working Compton theatre organ with original pipe work, percussion, silent movie effects and illuminated glass sides. Additional features included an extra set of curtains (making three in all) that swept open in sequence at the start of each film, an automatic piano linked to the organ, and a brenograph that cast coloured light patterns across the curtains as the organist played. The building had a 4.57m stage which was used for occasional live shows. The State closed as a cinema in 1989 and was subsequently used as a night club and bar until 1998. It was also used in advertisements, music videos and, most famously, in the film 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' (1988). Many enthusiasts hoped that a new development on an adjoining site would regenerate interest in reviving the State as a mixed arts venue but agreement was reached in 2015 for it to be converted into a Wetherspoon’s pub.