Imperial Cinema (1943-1947, 1948-1950)
Essoldo (1950-1964)

134 North Street, Brighton 23
operated 1943-1964

The Imperial at the time of its opening in 1940 and the art deco foyer

1940 April 9 Imperial is opened (by Jack Buchanan, star of the opening film, Top Hat and Tails) as a drama and variety theatre. The architect is Samuel Beverley FRIBA and interiors are designed by J Alexandra in early art deco style. The foundation stones on either side of the entrance are laid by comedy film stars Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls. Proscenium 45 ft wide; 1,877 seats.
1943 Film performances are increasingly included, Westrex sound system
1947 Reverts briefly to variety show use (presented by Jack Hylton, prices 2s 6d-10s 6d)
1948 2,000 seats, prices 1s-2s 9d, continuous performances, booked in London.
1949 Acquired by Sol Sheckman's Newcastle-based Essoldo Circuit (Control) Ltd from Gaywood Cinemas Ltd

The renamed Essoldo in 1950

The building becomes a Top Rank bingo hall, which is later acquired by Ladbroke, and in 1997 is converted to a youth-oriented entertainment complex called Hot Shots. This closes in 1999; an attempt to have the building listed fails and the building is demolished May/June 2001. Three cavernous  retail units, with private apartments above and behind, occupy the site.

All that remained of the Imperial era in 2001.

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