Wednesday 12 January 2011

A Date in History- Westminster Archives-12th January


The opening of the Astoria, 12 January 1927
The building of the Astoria had a chequered history. Originally a pickle warehouse on Charing Cross Road, it was transformed into a stylish entertainment complex, boasting a cinema and a grand ballroom that could accommodate over a thousand people. 
Changing fashions in entertainment had a profound impact on the Astoria over the years. As the taste for cinema waned, the 1970s saw the auditorium converted for theatrical performance. Later, in the 1980s, the Astoria became a nightclub and concert venue.
Both cinema and dance have since seen a revival, but sadly not in time to save the Astoria. The venue closed its doors for the last time in January 2009, and has since been demolished.
Image ref: A10A4255
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