Savoy Cinema

The new Art Deco style Savoy Cinema was opened at 42 Belgrave Gate on 4 June 1937
The ‘futuristic’ cinema was the largest in Leicester with 2,414 seats
Films were not shown on Sundays until after World War II, to help boost morale

A New Cinema on Belgrave Gate

The new Art Deco style Savoy Cinema was opened at 42 Belgrave Gate on 4 June 1937. Part of the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) group, it was the largest cinema in Leicester, with 2,414 seats. The “futuristic” interior had chrome, concealed lighting, an illuminated arch over the screen and the latest “high fidelity” sound. As well as a cinema screen the Savoy had a Compton music organ and a small stage for variety shows.

Off-Screen Drama

Big audiences meant a big income. During the 1940s two attempts were made to steal the box office takings. In 1952 the cinema’s safe was broken into and £900 was stolen. Films were not shown on Sundays, but during World War II this was changed, in part to boost morale. In 1947 after seeking local opinions, Leicester cinemas stayed open on Sundays.

Savoy Cinema in 1953, decorated for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

The Post-War Years

After the War there were many developments. The 1950s brought Saturday morning screenings for children, a new widescreen and in 1959, a new projector for 70mm films. The 1960s saw the inclusion of a coffee shop and a change of name to the ABC. In the 1970s the ABC was split into two, and then three, smaller screens. In 2007 the building was demolished and in 2020, the area where the cinema stood, was named Savoy Street.

Final films shown at the cinema

Timeline

Early 20th Century Leicester

Gallery

Inside the cinema
Leicester Mercury Archive at the University of Leicester

Inside the film booth, 1975

The cinema as ABC in 1982
Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office

A new mural celebrates Savoy Street’s cinematic past, 2020

Savoy Cinema, decorated for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, 1953
Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office

Final films shown at the cinema
Leicester Mercury Archive at the University of Leicester

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

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Roman Leicester
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Edwardian Leicester
Early 20th Century Leicester
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Leisure & Entertainment

De Montfort Hall

Named after the sixth Earl of Leicester, Simon de Montfort, De Montfort Hall was the first purpose-built concert hall in Leicester. It was designed by local architect Mr Shirley Harrison and opened in July 1913.

Haymarket Theatre

Built as part of the wider Haymarket Shopping Centre scheme, the Haymarket Theatre was the home for professional theatre in Leicester from 1973 until it closed in 2007. Located opposite the site of the old Victorian Palace Theatre on Belgrave Gate, it has built a fine legacy of productions, directors and performers over the years.

Campbell Street and London Road Railway Stations

The Midland Counties Railway Act (1836) led to the building in 1840 of Leicester’s first mainline railway station, Leicester Campbell Street, on land behind London Road.

Guild Hall Colton Street

The Guild Hall was opened in 1909 by the Leicester Guild of the Crippled to provide a social centre for people with physical disabilities. As well as being “beautiful and commodious”, this Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau style building was very practical, being an early example of a structure that had been purposely designed to be fully accessible.

Athena - The Odeon Cinema

The Odeon was built during the “Golden Age of Hollywood” when actors like Clark Gable, Katharine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and Greta Garbo were popular with cinema audiences. In the 1930s there were over 25 cinemas in Leicester and probably this one, built in 1938 by the Odeon organisation, was the grandest.

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