Capitol Horsham

About

The Capitol Theatre is a multi-purpose arts venue in Horsham, West Sussex, England. The original Capitol Theatre, built in Italian style by the Blue Flash Cinema Company, was opened on Wednesday 7 November 1923. As Earl Winterton was unable to be present speeches were made by Mrs.

Campion, wife of Lt. Col. Campion of the Blue Flash company, who opened the venue, and Lady Burrel.

The first silent film shown, Chu Chin Chow was accompanied by music played by the band of the 4th Royal Sussex Regiment and singing by baritone Frank Watts. Blue Flash had been set up to provide employment for soldiers of the battalion, especially the musicians, on a not-for-profit basis. The building work was undertaken by Goodman & Kay of Horsham.

The building, on what was then London Road near the town centre, was set back from the street with an Italianate courtyard in front, including a fountain. A Hill, Norman & Beard organ was installed in 1924 and an RCA sound system in 1929. The theatre was taken over by Union Cinemas in 1935, and they in turn were taken over by ABC Cinemas in 1937.

In August 1954 ABC closed the cinema which was then used as a community centre, including live theatre, and was later...