Page 25 - CinemaRecord #84

the centre of the main aisle and across the screen was on the back wall so concerts could
back of the front stalls; apparently to divide be held. The proscenium was decorated with
the stalls into different price areas. The theatre back lit lattice. Minette Gee made the original
seating was a mixture of wooden benches purple stage curtains; these were trimmed
(front stalls), canvas benches (rear stalls), and with black and silver bands with a PT (Para-
an assortment of canvas, wooden flip up and gon Theatre) logo attached to the top.
sprung chairs (balcony).
During construction of the theatre, screenings
An unusual feature of the theatre was the were held in the Band Hall and the Palace
installation of a sweets counter opening from Theatre. Both of these venues closed after the
the rear of the manager’s office to the rear opening of the new theatre.
cross aisle of the stalls.
In later years, a horizontal Paragon neon sign
The large stage area had a sloped floor and was fixed to the parapet of the theatre. This
small dressing rooms. An orchestra pit was was removed some time ago.
built, but was covered over in later years. The

Dudley Gee

The theatre was constructed with a shop on
each side of the narrow entrance. On the left
side was a milk bar, and the shop on the right
was initially used as the manager’s office.
Steps led up to the small entrance foyer that
sloped up to the stalls entrance. Originally,
metal gates secured the entrance. Narrow
staircases, to the left and right, led directly to
the cross aisle separating the lounge and circle
areas. Two ticket boxes were located in the
foyer.

The stalls was accessed via central doors to a
rear cross aisle. Two aisles divided the stalls
into three sections. The stalls floor was sloped
downwards in the rear half, then was level to
the stage. A lattice fence was constructed up

Interior of Paragon

Interior of Paragon

CINEMARECORD # 84 25