Built in 1932 the Regal was one of the few cinemas that was also built for entertainment as well as showing films. It included a purpose built stage, dressing rooms, etc. It could hold over 900 people in its stadium style seating.
During construction it was found that it sat on top a spring and the architects built this into the design, including a working waterfall feature complete with UV lighting.
The venue played host to a large number of entertainment and variety peformances in the early days and continued to put on bands right up into the 70's. Argent were one band scheduled to play although they refused to go on as the stage was to small for them!
It was taken over in the 80s' by Viv Bartle, who had recently sold the Skating Rink/Majestic Ballroom complex in Camborne, and it continued to operate solely as a cinema which is does to this day although it is now owned by Merlin Cinemas.
Thanks to Graham Hicks
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