The Plaza Theatre (Birkenhead)
The Plaza Theatre was at 470 Borough Road, Birkenhead, Cheshire and opened on Saturday, August 2, 1930 with actress Norma Sherer in the film 'The Last Of Mrs. Cheyney' with The Plaza Symphany Orchestra from 6.15pm & 8.45pm.
It was advertised on Friday, August 1, 1930 as Plaza Theatre Borough Road, Birkenhead Opening To-Morrow (Saturday), 2nd August 1930 at 6.15 p.m. 8.45 p.m. Two Distinct Performances. New Era In Entertainment. The Famous Compton Unit Organ. Plaza Symphany Orchestra 122 - Performances - 221. Tomorrow Evening Only at 6.15 p.m. 8.45 p.m. Norma Sherer in 'The Last Of Mrs. Cheyney' (All Talking) Sound By Western Electric Free Car Park. Cafe Lounge. 2,500 Seats 2,500 Matinees 2.30 Daily. 6d 9d 1/-. Saturday And Bank Holidays Only. 6.15 - Two Distinct Houses 8.45 All Other Days Continues Performance From 6.15 P.M. Booking Office Now Open. 11 A.M. Until 9 P.M. At The Plaza Borough Road, Birkenhead.
It was located at the corner of Borough Road, between Kingsland Road and Carlton Road. The Plaza Theatre was built for and operated by the local Bedford Cinemas Ltd. chain.
The exterior of the building was in brick, with white stone dressings to give a Neo-Classical style appearance. Inside, the foyer and auditorium were in an Art Deco style. Seating was provided for 1,860 in the stalls and 700 in the circle. The proscenium was 40 feet wide, and there was a fully equipped stage which was 18 feet deep, with four dressing rooms. There was a Compton 3Manual/12Ranks organ, and on the first floor above the entrance foyer was a large tea-room/café.
The Plaza Theatre sustained some bomb damage in Early 1941, which resulted in its closure until April 1941. The Plaza Theatre began to run part-time bingo in the mid-1960’s, but soon returned to full-time cinema use.
The Plaza Theatre was closed on Saturday, March 3, 1973 with actor Clint Eastwood in the film 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.'
It was converted into a Mecca Bingo Club, which operated until Early November 1997. The building became vandalized and arson damaged by fire. It was demolished in May 2001
Known concerts
Friday, May 15, 1964:
Little Richard, The Undertakers, The Flintstones, The Road Runners, Rory Storm And The Hurricanes Advertised as Little Richard The Undertakers Plaza Birkenhead Friday, May 15th 6 p.m. and 8-30 p.m. Advance tickets 3/- 7/6 10/6 Theatre Box Office Now Open also Rushworth & Dreaper Whitechapel " Compere : Mike Coyne The Flintstones . The Road Runners . Rory Storm And The Hurricanes.
Info courtesy John H Warburg January 2025
Some info came from https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/35660/photos/347863