The Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust

Registered Charity Number 261487

THE PLAZA THEATRE

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The Plaza Theatre Stockport is a Grade 2 Heritage listed building

The Plaza was in danger of being lost as a Theatre

But now due to the hard work of the Plaza Trust, THE PLAZA has been rescued and is now reopened and working again as a Theatre

Plaza Theatre Stockport The Plaza has been a bingo hall for the past 20 years and has a unique Compton Theatre Organ, which, according to the installation paperwork, was the first Compton Theatre Organ to have an illuminated glass surround on the console. Illuminated Compton Console The Plaza, situated overlooking Mersey Square in Stockport Town Centre was opened on 6th October 1932 as a combined Cinema and Theatre. This Art Deco Theatre is unique in many ways. It is built into the sandstone rock face of the Mersey valley, during its construction over 10,000 tones of sandstone were blasted out to a depth of 42 feet. The stage goes 12 feet beyond the back wall of the theatre into solid sandstone and is anchored in place by 111 rock bolts 7 feet deep. The Proscenium front and dome are finished with Metallic Glazes on the decor, these according to the opening brochure were the first of their kind to be used as a decoration and were said to look like the finest Arctic Glass.

Art Deco Interior The interior is unspoilt 1930's Art Deco, 95% of the theatre lighting is concealed and much of the decor reflects an Egyptian theme which was vogue. Either side of the theatre is a mural of dancing nymphs created by the Art Plaster Company of Salford.

This theatre is one of a very few that have survived modernization and conversion, only the stalls area has had the seats removed, the rest of the theatre is as original.

Right, A view of the untouched Art Deco interior taken from the balcony, this view shows the original seats still in position having been unused for many years.

Left, When top Australian Organist Tony Fenelon opened the Stockport Wurlitzer in the Ballroom of Stockport Town Hall last year he made a visit to the Plaza to see the rescue work and have a play on the Compton Theatre Pipe Organ.

As it was

On the left is a view of the Plaza foyer, as it used to be.

Original Plaza Orchestra Pit

Right is a view if the original Orchestra Pit in 1933, showing the Illuminated surround of the Compton Organ Console and the unusual Illuminated Orchestra Pit rail. The organist playing is CecilChadwick.

Cecil Chadwick, Plaza Organist

Left is Cecil Chadwick the first Organist at the Plaza when it opened in 1932. The Photo was taken at the console of the 2/8 Wurlitzer installed in the Classic Cinema Belfast.

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