THE ODEON THEATRE
WESTON SUPER MARE
&
THE COMPTON THEATRE ORGAN
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PART 5: THE THEATRE WILL REOPEN
AND THE THEATRE ORGAN
WILL ONCE MORE RISE LIKE A PHOENIX
AND BE HEARD
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The erstwhile Odeon Theatre Weston-Super-Mare
The Photograph was provided by Mr. Peter G. Young
Soon after the closure of the Odeon Theatre Weston-Super-Mare on 5th June, 2023, the Odeon sign was removed and the building was boarded up. Following its closure, the future of the building and of the Theatre Organ was uncertain. Naturally, this brought marked concern to interested parties including those that enjoyed visiting the Theatre to watch the latest films and devotees of the Theatre Organ, as well as members of the local Council.
Not long after the announcement that the Theatre would close, the leader of The North Somerset Council wrote to the authorities at Odeon Cinemas Group (now operated by AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. [AMC Theatres], to request a meeting to discuss the Company’s plans for the building. The Council stressed the point that the Theatre was an iconic feature of the town and a key cultural landmark and requested a meeting in order to ascertain the Company’s plans with a hope that the building would not be neglected.
Odeon stated that it was their intention was to sell the building as quickly as possible, as The Company did not want to hold on to it any longer than necessary. Apparently Odeon added that they were pursuing avenues to determine if an alternative operator could be found who would be interested in re-opening the Theatre. The Council was very supportive of this approach and said that were willing to work with Odeon on the matter.
Meanwhile other suggestions had been brought up for future use of the building including turning it into an area for community events, a community cinema, an arts centre, a roller disco or a nightclub.
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For, like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, great news greeted both cinema-lovers and Theatre Organ devotees in early August 2023!
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Devotees of both The Theatre and The Theatre Organ did not need to worry further, since news was announced on the 9th August, 2023 that The Theatre was to be sold to a new West Country Cinema Chain, Merlin Cinemas, which specialised in operating character-filled and predominantly coastal cinemas.
Merlin Cinemas assured The Council that they will be valuing and promoting the much-loved Compton Organ and the role the building in being at the heart of the town centre.
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THE FULL STORY APPEARED IN BRISTOL LIVE
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THE HEADLINE READ …….
CLOSED ODEON BUILDING SOLD TO
NEW WEST COUNTRY CINEMA CHAIN
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Click here & read the full story in Bristol Live
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Merlin Cinemas, which specialises in operating character-filled and predominantly coastal cinemas, officially purchased the Odeon Theatre/Cinema Weston Super Mare on the 9th August, 2023. Merlin has given assurances they will value and promote the organ (and I was informed that Mr. Ben Snowdon and colleagues were asked to maintain the Theatre Organ in good working order).
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North Somerset Council leader Councillor, Mr. Mike Bell said: This is great news for the town and I’m really pleased that after such a short period of closure, the cinema will soon be back to doing what it does best. I’ve spoken to Merlin Cinemas today and assured them of our support for their work to maintain cinema operations at the building.
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ADDITIONAL REPORTS LAUDING THE GOOD NEWS
ITV News – 9th August, 2023 – Merlin Cinemas
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And so, let us look forward to many years of screenings and Theatre Organ Concerts & Preludes at the erstwhile Odeon …… now proudly known as The Plaza.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Mr. Peter G. Young for his help in the preparation of this page and for allowing his photographs of the building to appear here.
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