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Torbay Cinema
Text and photographs by Bernard Tonks
The Picture House, later renamed Torbay Cinema, Paignton in Devon, could be a contender for the oldest purpose built cinema in continuous use since 1908, although now closed due to the new Apollo multiplex
Owned by the Torbay Railway Company it does have occasional theatre use, and there are future plans
to include films
The two 35mm Projectors were a Westrex 7000 and a Westar 2001 with a Westrex Tower,
and a long runner 16mm Debrie projector
I believe before closure a Philips FP 20 projector was temporary installed by the leaseholder
During restoration a mass of history was discovered, that had been secretly walled up for years
Perfectly preserved from almost the opening day, many posters, records of film bookings, film rentals, and
staff wages
A museum was later opened next door to the cinema
Famous thriller novelist Agatha Christie always booked the same seat in the circle on a regular basis
The boxes at the rear of the circle do have seats in them which were popular
 Auditorium
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 Circle
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 Front of House
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 Projection Box
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