Alhambra Opera House and Music Hall (1888-1912)
Palladium Cinema (1912-1936)
(also called Grand Cinema-de-Luxe)
Odeon (1936-1937)
Palladium Cinema (1937-1956)

85 King's Road, Brighton  13
operated 1912-1940 and 1942-1956

The picture of the Palladium on the left is said to have been taken in 1912. However, the film advertised, The Elder Miss Blossom, was released in 1918. The picture in the centre shows it after its art deco makeover in the brief time it was called the Odeon on 1936-1937. The picture on the right shows further changes to the frontage and was taken around 1960, after the cinema closed

1888 October 29 Opened as the Alhambra Opera House and Music Hall, designed by Frank Matcham and built on the site of the Whitehall Livery Stables at the corner of Russell Street.
1897 Films are included in music hall programmes
1898 Programme of films by George Albert Smith and Georges Méliès runs at the theatre.
1911 May Acquired from Albert Smith [not G A Smith] by Entertainment Development Syndicate Ltd. Variety shows continue for another year.
1912 April 6 Opened by Alderman Edward Geere as a cinema, owned by Grand Cinema De Luxe (Palladium (Brighton) Ltd); 1,200 seats in an elaborate setting. Prices 3d, 6d, 1s and 2s 6d.
1913 Highest priced seats are now 1s.
1914 Acquired by J L Crown, who has been running the Coronation cinema
1929 July Westrex sound system installed, the second conversion of a Brighton cinema
1936 New Art Deco facade added; known as the Odeon
1937 December Reverts to being called the Palladium when the West Street Odeon opens.
Owned by Palladium (Brighton) Ltd
1940 October 26 Closed.
1942 August 2 Re-opened under lessee management.
1948 Prices 1s-2s 9d, continuous performances, booked at hall; proscenium width 30ft. Café.
1953 Prices 1s-3s 1d. Two changes weekly.
1956 May 26 Closed. Last films: re-runs of Genevieve and Doctor in the House.

The Brighton Centre now occupies the site.

Photo courtesy of Brighton & Hove Libraries' Brighton History Centre

Brighton cinema directory