by Vicky Halliday
The ABC Cinema, High Street
Built in 1934, as The Carlton Cinema, the building was badly damaged during a bombing raid in World War II. 4 people died in the explosion but the cinema was renovated and reopened.
In 1982 it was again renovated and became a 3 screen cinema but, sadly, closed its door in 2007. Since then, the future of the building has been uncertain with locals frequently campaigning to stop demolition and conversion to student accommodation or flats.
Since opening as The Carlton in the 30s, this cinema has had many aliases: The Carlton; The Classic; Essoldo; Cannon; ABC and, before closure, was known as Cineplex. The inside is reportedly in a very poor state and with no plans for refurbishment or a sympathetic conversion, there is no doubt that the end will soon be nigh for yet another example of Portsmouth’s Art Deco architecture.
The Odeon, High Street
Originally built in 1937 as The Ambassador, it had seating for 1645 patrons and was surely one of the largest cinemas in the area at the time. The cinema was also fitted out with a tea lounge and dance hall facilities.
Within months of first opening The Ambassador became part of the Odeon chain and was finally renamed as an Odeon theatre in 1945. The cinema was closed in 1976 and was reopened as a bingo hall. Today, the building is still mostly intact and is in operation as Crown Bingo. The building is well maintained (despite the garish branding) and many of the old cinemas and theatres in Portsmouth (and, indeed, around the country) owe a debt of gratitude to bingo halls for saving them from dereliction!
