Premier Electric Theatre, Picturedrome, Coliseum, Rex, Phoenix. The same barrel vault has watched over East Finchley's audiences since 1910.
1910
Planning permission was approved for the building of the Premier Electric Theatre on 26th September 1910. The architect was Mr. S. Birdwood, but before the building could be opened Premier Electric Theatre’s company went into liquidation and the building was acquired by Picturedrome Theatres Ltd.
1912
It was opened as the East Finchley Picturedrome on 11th May 1912 when “The Ill-Fated Titanic” was screened for 3 days. The screen was located at the front end of the building, behind the Moorish style façade, and seating was provided for 428 on one floor. There was also a café.
1926
In 1925 it was taken over by new owners, re-named the Coliseum Cinema and after refurbishment it re-opened on 25th January 1926.
1938
Plans by Howes & Jackman, with decorations by Mollo & Egan: the auditorium was totally reversed, the screen moved to the other end and the floor given a new rake. The 1910 Edwardian barrel-vaulted ceiling was kept, and the side walls received 14 wonderful Art Deco panels. A new projection box, an Art Deco façade, a marquee and neon letters spelling ‘REX’. Re-opened 12th September 1938.
1973
Several independent operators ran the building over the years, and even the mighty Granada Theatres chain took over for a brief period from October 1973 until the end of 1974. It was taken back by independent operators and became North London’s premier art house cinema.
1983
Demolition was threatened in 1983 for an office block to be built on the site, but the Rex Cinema and its supporters put up a brave fight and won the battle.
1985
In 1985 ownership passed to a Trust set up to operate it, and under the newly formed Phoenix Cinema Trust Ltd. (a registered charity) the cinema was re-named Phoenix Cinema. In 2001 a renovation programme was begun.
Today
Recent years have seen the beautiful refurbishment of our Art Deco auditorium. One of the UK’s oldest continuously operating cinemas, and one of London’s last remaining independent cinemas — a cinema run by the people for the people.
