I recall going with my wife to the Regal in Bebington Road (now Tesco) just before it closed in the mid 1960s. I think it was the Essoldo by then, but there were only six people in the audience. The projectionist had not turned up and the manager was going to return our money, but an old lady said her brother used to show films during the war and would probably be able to do the job.
He was sent for, and the manager made us all a cup of tea whilst we waited. Eventually a very old man appeared and disappeared into the projection room. In due course the film appeared, and he evidently hadn't forgotten much because it all went well enough.
A week or two later and they were knocking it down. Sad really!
The Theatre Royal, which I have an old programme for if anyone is interested, was by Beatties in Birkenhead I think. Not 100% sure of that though. Maybe someone knows?
The Theatre Royal programme pics are in the Old Colonial post in the pubs, past and present section
The link to the Argyle Theatre can be found with this link. It was also called 'The Scala'. The actual location of the theatre was on the corner of Argyle Street and Conway Street, roughly where Mario's kebab shop is now.
The article on the internet says that it was demolished in 1937 to make way for a new theatre, presumably the scale. The programme I have is dated in 1912, and has advertisments for different types of shops on Argyle Street.
Very interesting video of the ritz cinema birkenhead. I think this was located at the bottom of Claughton Road, roughyl were the Wilkinsons and bus station.
Bennyboy The New Theatre Royal was a bit further along almost opposite Lorn Street. 1911 Is it the same one?? Will try and have a pint in The Old Colonial tomorrow, was in the Blue Bell week before last and forgot about TOC
