Wigan Album
Cinemas
12 CommentsPhoto: Jackie Brogan
Item #: 4725
And everyone had their own ashtray!
Hi Jackie. Where was the Majestic?
Orrell, turn left at the Grapes and the building was on the right. Was for years a double glazing company's headquarters and workshop.
Ooops.. if you are coming from Wigan you turn right at the Grapes.
I remember seeing Michael Caine and Stanley Baker beat the Zulus there, and John Wayne getting killed by the Mexicans at The Alamo. Closed down circa 1968/69.
What a sight that was when the Zulus coming over the hill Mick.It was early 60's wen the film was released ,if I remember rightly.If you read the book the Zulus had been stitched up and had every right to re-act.
I Great little cinema, and we all remember the Zulu Dave,They got some revenge by slaughtering Half the British Army!
I can remember as a teenager going up into the projection room many years ago, a close family friend Stanley Gray used to be a projectionist there.
I remember this cinema. Used to take many girls from the Grammar and Secondary in Up Holland there! Happy romantic times!
How can I get a bigger photo
KEVIN, SEND ME AN EMAIL.
Did you know that the seating in this and many more Cinemas and Theatres throughout the UK was made by C&R Harrison & Sons, Barn Lane Golborne, mainly for the Odeon Cinemas owned by the Rank Organisation. I started work there as a junior draughtsman in 1967 and do remember Charlie Harrison from that time although he had retired.
There only main competitor was Dawsons of High Wycombe who manufactured for the EMI Pathe which included the Ritz Cinema Wigan.
Harrisons were full acquired by the Rank Organisation in the 1960's and became the Seating Division of Rank Audio Visual. Early 1970's they moved to much larger premises in the former Sovereign Toffee works, Church Lane Lowton St Mary's as part of Rank Strand Electric and brought Dawsons into their fold and closed the High Wycombe factory.
They may no longer exist but their legacy in the form of many UK Seating manufacturers who's roots date back to both of these companies is still around today.
Those chair models with solid brass ash trays are now much sought after by interior designers and collectors.