The Lyric opened in 1922 and in the face of competion from the local multiplexes, finally closed it's doors for the last time as a cinema in 1988. It has since been used as a lightbulb factory and is currently being used as a church.
For a very limited time only, it is being made accessible to the public due to Turner Prize nominee Lucy Skaer new work, Film for an Abandoned Projector, being comissioned. When the cinema closed, the original projectors were left in situ, and have now been restored by the original Projectionist to show a specially comissioned film that will not be seen outside the cinema.
It is a good opportunity to visit a type of cinema that is increasingly rare, and although many of the fixtures and fittings have been removed, there is still enough to see. The opportunity to visit the projection room, see the projectors in use and have the Projectionist explain the workings and the resoration of these fantastic pieces of equipment should not be missed.
The photographs are not fantastic, but hey, go take your own.
The restored sign is illuminated during show times.
A stud wall built across the old balcony had to be cut to allow the film to be projected.
The old screen was removed and a roller door installed at the rear of the cinema. This is just temporary.
The plasterwork on the balcony is damged but still in reasonable condition.
The box office is still there!
Projectors in operation. Note the temporary ventilation.
The controller for the auditorium lights, sadly decorative only now.
Much asbestos has been removed prior to the show. Safe for the bairns now.
This is well worth a visit, particularly if you are from the area, and fancy a hassle free (even family friendly) mooch.
For a very limited time only, it is being made accessible to the public due to Turner Prize nominee Lucy Skaer new work, Film for an Abandoned Projector, being comissioned. When the cinema closed, the original projectors were left in situ, and have now been restored by the original Projectionist to show a specially comissioned film that will not be seen outside the cinema.
It is a good opportunity to visit a type of cinema that is increasingly rare, and although many of the fixtures and fittings have been removed, there is still enough to see. The opportunity to visit the projection room, see the projectors in use and have the Projectionist explain the workings and the resoration of these fantastic pieces of equipment should not be missed.
The photographs are not fantastic, but hey, go take your own.
The restored sign is illuminated during show times.
A stud wall built across the old balcony had to be cut to allow the film to be projected.
The old screen was removed and a roller door installed at the rear of the cinema. This is just temporary.
The plasterwork on the balcony is damged but still in reasonable condition.
The box office is still there!
Projectors in operation. Note the temporary ventilation.
The controller for the auditorium lights, sadly decorative only now.
Much asbestos has been removed prior to the show. Safe for the bairns now.
This is well worth a visit, particularly if you are from the area, and fancy a hassle free (even family friendly) mooch.
