Mexborough and Swinton Times October 4, 1929
A Palatial Home Of Entertainment
The progress of civilisation has brought some degree of luxury within reach of almost everyone, and once it has been experienced there is the desire for more, and so we advance. A demand for something better is created, and it has to be met.
Gone is the day when after the hours of toil we were content to sit round the hearth, or jest and drink in the stifling atmosphere of the tap ‘room. Something more elevating came with the first picture houses, but with the advance in film technique came the demand for more commodious and comfortable accommodation. Palatial picture houses sprang up in the large cities and towns, to be followed by nondescript buildings in almost every hamlet and village, and to-day the small town resident requires the same comfort and standard of excellence as his city neighbour. Thus it is that we find so much cinema enterprise—at our very doorsteps.
This week, after a long spell of inactivity, the Grand Theatre at Wath has thrown open its doors to a long expectant public, but if they have had to wait it has been a worth while wait.
A Modern House
Wath is not behind in the matter of film entertainment, but with the opening of the Grand the town has been brought into line with the best, and with the enterprise characteristic of the present proprietors there is no doubt that there is a feast of good things in store for its patrons. The doors of the Grand closed on a typical old-fashioned theatre; they open upon one which is modern in every detail, and replete with all the latest machinery and other innovations which have revolutionised the film and play during the past few years. It possesses the comfort of a lounge, the refinement of the sitting room, and a delicacy of decoration which alone make it worth one’s while to pay a visit, and if the programme bores—it shouldn’t —there is satisfaction and comfort in lolling back in one of those much upholstered chairs, and giving ones mind to the mellow reflection that the atmosphere inspires.
The photographs on this page convey some impression of the interior, which has been converted, with the aid of the best of craftsmen, from a gloomy bareness to a vision of pretty waterside scenes, seen through the softening shade of suffused and coloured lighting. It is indeed the “New” Grand Theatre. When the Company purchased the theatre, Mr. J. Pollard, of Mansfield, the Managing Director, who has a chain of theatres in all parts of the country, brought his long and varied experience to bear on the remodelling of the building.
It was his intention to beautify the place as well as to provide first-class entertainment, while everything possible has been done for the comfort of the public. Most theatres are, unfortunately, either too hot or too cold. The Grand will provide the happy medium. The system of heating is that which has been employed in the largest of theatres and fresh ventilation ensures of the constant supply of air, no matter how full the house.
It is safe to say that only the four walls of the original building remain, such is the extent of the alterations. Mr. Brian Dean, of Mansfield, has been responsible for the preparation of the plant and the designing of the alterations. His skill will be exemplified in the appreciation of the public and the knowledge that the Grand is one of the best appointed theatres in South Yorkshire.
The contractors for the rebuilding were Messrs. H. Cooper, and Sons, of Conisboro’, who have been hard at work since June in carrying out extensive interior alterations.
The Decoration
Mr. J. Shackleton, of West Melton, has been responsible for the painting and decorative work, together with Mr. Harold Mortimer, of Doncaster, the well-known scenic artist, whose painting of the scenery leaves nothing to be desired. As has been said before, it is in the decoration of the interior that so much of the charm lies, The general scheme of theatre decoration has been departed from; there are no heavy oppressive ceiling designs, but a delicacy of colour and lightness of subject that gives an impression of space, yet does not detract from the cosiness and warmth which must he the main feature.
Though very little is seen, the electric lighting has been efficiently installed by Messrs. Jowitts, of Ripley, Derbyshire, who have entirely re-wired the theatre, stage, and film box The local supply of electricity is being used, but there is a secondary system always ready for use in case the primary supply fails. This will provide sufficient illumination to enable the audience to leave the theatre in safety. As for safety, there is protection over and above the requirements of the Act. The film box can be shut off from the theatre in a moment, and from any portion of it the operator can drop the shutters so as to immediately confine a conflagration.
A word about the heating. Messrs. Beck and Sons (Mansfield), Ltd., have installed a new central heating system throughout, which should satisfy the most fastidious. One radiator alone runs practically across the building. It measures 25ft. long by 21in. high, and consists of 167 section pipes. This is immediately in front of the balcony gangway, and there are a number of smaller radiators situated throughout the building, so that at all times and in all-weather the temperature will be of an equable degree. The overhead ventilation will prevent overheating. A raised balcony has been built by Messrs. Evans Bros. (Concrete), Ltd., of Riddings, Alfreton, Derbyshire, who made an excellent job of a piece of very difficult work. The structure is of reinforced concrete, and is sufficiently strong to bear the weight of a battleship, From the topmost seat it is possible to get a full view of the stage, and in fact, from all parts of the building there is uninterrupted vision.
The large stage is capable of accommodating any show—witness the fact that a circus was staged during the opening week. The seating gives every comfort from the top price seats to the lowest. This work has been in the skilful hands of Messrs Theatre Equipment, Ltd., of 173, Wardour Street, London. W1, who have done similar work for some of the largest theatres in the British Isles. In fact, cost has not been spared to make the new building comfortable and hygienic. A vacuum cleaner has been installed to keep the seats free from dust., but it was demonstrated before a “Times” representative there was so little dust about that cigarette ash had to be employed to show the qualities of the cleaner.
The Company’s Policy
Talking to our representative, just prior to the re-opening on Monday night, Mr. Bernard Carten, (picture) the resident manager, spoke of the Company’s policy with regard to entertainment. First and foremost they intend to eater for popular taste, and provide first-class films and variety shows, together with concert party items and revue. The Grand was not merely going to cater for Wath, but it was to be a theatre which the surrounding neighbourhood could call its own. Mr. Carten is an old performer himself, having toured the halls before and after the war, and he says, “The moment I saw the Grand, when alterations had only just been commenced, I said, `This is a place I shall have pleasure in managing. It is so compact and cosy that I can already sense that atmosphere of intimacy so necessary to the success of the family house. My keynote will be confidence—as a showman I do not intend to let my public down; if I say a thing my patrons can rely upon it. I am a Yorkshireman.
“In these days, when the ‘Talkies’ are causing so much hardship amongst musicians, and are proving so popular,” continued Mr. Carten, “it might seem strange that an orchestra has been engaged. Yet I find that an orchestra is indispensable; it is part of the atmosphere of the show, and a good orchestra is the making of a good play or picture. The musical director is Mr Jos Mitchell, well known all over the country for his ability. My directors, being British, prefer to employ British musicians rather than compel the public to music which comes over the pond like meat in cold storage, or canned.”
Asked if the Company intend to instal talking film apparatus, Mr Carten replied that such a course of action would depend upon the public demand. Talking films; were very much in the evolutionary stage, and as the Company wanted to give only the best they did not intend to show talking pictures, which, he thought, were inferior to a good silent production.”When you first hear your child say ‘Mamma’ it is very novel, and you like to hear him repeat it, but the novelty soon wears off, and that is what will happen to the talking films,” he added.
Two performances nightly, at 6-30 and 8-30, will be given, and the prices of admission will be 4d., 6d., 9d., and reserved seats 1s.
‘Buses run from all parts. There will be matinees as the occasion demands.