Town’s art deco cinema has its best year in a decade nearly 90 years after after it opened

In 1936 a row of cottages and and old Rock Shop were demolished to make room to build the Majestic Cinema, which still stands today.

Bridgnorth historian, Clive Gwilt said the only remaining working cinema in Bridgnorth was opened by Rt. Hon. Lady Acton on Monday November 22nd 1937, accompanied by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bridgnorth Councillor and Mrs H. E. Whitney. 

“The sound system was R.C.A. Photophone ‘High Fidelity’,” said Clive. “The stage was fully equipped with footlights, battens and all wired for three colours controlled by a combined switch. 

“The Super Simplex Projectors were installed and fitted with the latest devices for prevention of fire. A Stelmar High Intensity Spotlight, the same as the London Palladiums was also fitted.”

He said after it opened, The ABC Minors Club was started for children to watch films on a Saturday. 

“Every child was presented with a badge which glowed in the dark. The ABC Minors Club ceased 50 years ago in 1975 and the cinema later became a bingo hall until it totally closed in November 1977 but reopened in 1980,” added Clive.

The cinema is now operated by the Reel Cinemas chain but has not lost its art deco charm.

Manager James Frizzell has been running the picture house for the last 18 years, and he says he has had his busiest year in the last decade.

“It is not just about selling popcorn, while we have one of the largest screens in Shropshire, this is a traditional art deco cinema with all the original fixtures and fittings,” said James.

 “We still have the original 35 mm projectors and while they don’t get used much these days as it is all digital now, they are part of its history.”

He added that nearly 90 years on, filmgoers in Bridgnorth are just as enthusiastic as ever.

“This has been our best year since Skyfall,” he said, referring to the smash hit Bond film of 2012. 

“And we have some great films coming up. The next big one will br Bridget Jones, then there’s a new Captain America and the Bob Dylan biopic.”

Details about film showings at The Majestic can be found at: https://reelcinemas.co.uk/bridgnorth/whatson