The Christchurch Theatre, Somerford Way, Christchurch, Hants [The Oates / Selborne Copy] -

First edition ? [Not dated, but 1938 from clues in the text]. Illustrated, large slender octavo, pp (4), a little age-toned internally, stapled paperback, the red covers rather faded and worn. From a slightly unlikely provenance - with the blindstamp of 'The Wakes' Selborne, and the stamp of Bibliotheca Oatesiana - Robert Washington Oates. A RARE SURVIVAL. [The cinema opened in 1931 and was built for local solicitor Thomas J Rowley. It was not unusual at the time to build cinemas as a speculative venture. Firstly, it provided employment for local people and secondly it could hopefully be sold on at a profit, to a cinema chain once completed. Rowley was also responsible for the construction of the Talbot and Victoria shopping parades in Winton, Bournemouth. The Victoria Parade incorporated the Victoria cinema later renamed the Ritz. It was closed in 1973 by the then owners Thorm/EMI Screen Entertainment, who by then owned the ABC circuit. The last film show consisted of a double bill namely The Thief Who Came to Dinner' starring Ryan O'Neill plus John Wayne and Ann Margret in The Train Robbers. At this stage in the life of a cinema it would have been demolished, but once again the insatiable demand for bingo saved the day and the Regent became a Mecca Bingo and Social Club for a further nine years until 1982. Mecca had a reputation for looking after their buildings but had a policy of painting the interiors in a combination of mauve, pink and dark green! Which was the colour scheme inherited by Christchurch Borough Council when they took over the building soon after Mecca vacated the premises. As the owners of an empty building, the Council were persuaded by a group of would-be volunteers that it would be a good idea to use the venue for the public good. Thus, it was that in 1983 and from small beginnings, the Regent went from strength to strength until today with its varied programming of films, live shows and broadcasts, it has become an important and very popular venue for the local community.]. First Edition. Paperback. Fair.