Within a vast portfolio of property, Odeon have the fortune to own some of the most beautiful cinemas in the UK – sadly I’m not sure they really appreciate them.
Location
In leafy Richmond, standing proudly on the banks of the Thames is a very fine cinema indeed – and it absolutely must not be confused with the nearby Odeon Studio.
Building
Thanks to Grade II listed status, the Odeon Richmond retains many of the original features that are often long gone from cinemas built in the 1930s. Specifically, the Odeon retains a uniquely decorative auditorium which has a very Hollywood design inspired by a 17th century Spanish courtyard with ornate grillwork, Spanish tiles, Moorish windows, even stone and plaster oranges and doves. The cinema was subdivided into a three screener in 1972 – with screens 2 and 3 housed at the rear of the former stalls. The subdivision has been done very sympathetically, and when sitting in the former circle (now screen 1) it is almost possible to forget the old place has been altered at all.
The lobby features lots of nice little original features, like an art deco clock, balustrades and light fittings. The interior spaces have been coated in layers of Odoen’s coportate blue, white and silver colour scheme but not to the detriment of the original auditorium – which is still beautifully lit in gold and orange before and after the film features.
Despite all the good points, seeing the cinema gives you the tantalising glimps of what it really could be like if Odeon cared more about it’s own heritage. Imagine if they researched the original interior colour scheme – the place could look beautiful.
Clientele
The Odeon caters to the needs of the local community – offering the latest releases either here or at the Odeon Studio around the corner. Despite purpose built multiplexes available nearby the old Odeon still pulls in the crowds.
Conclusions
Of all the Odeon cinemas in suburban London, Richmond is up there with the most beautiful and well preserved. A comparable picture house is the Odeon in Muswell Hill which has a very different but similarly impressive auditorium. I would suggest that if you want to enjoy a film in beautiful surroundings, take the time to ensure it is showing in Screen 1 as you may end up at the extremely unimpressive Odeon Studios.
Learn more here.
The London Review of Cinemas 
I’m certain that Odeon doesn’t appreciate its property portfolio. Most likely, it finds it a huge burden. It has crumbling old buildings to maintain, probably full of asbestos; often badly subdivided, giving a sub-optimal viewing experience (noise leakage, that kind of thing); and mounting costs and competition. I’m sure, operationally, they’d far rather shut all the old picture palaces and have an estate full of multiplexes.
Like you, I’m glad they’ve got some old and beautiful buildings left, but let’s not be any doubt about the commercial realities.
I really enjoy your site. Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much David – your site is an invaluable source and thank you for the service it provides.
You’re absolutely right about the state of Odeon’s older cinemas – it’s tragic to see buildings that have such potential to be beautiful in such a sorry state. There are a few one screen cinemas like the Regal in Evesham and the Rex Berkhamsted which prove that the older restored buildings can be viable in the right locations with the right management.
The Odeon in Cheltenham am sure could have been a wonderful asset to the town had it found an owner willing to spend a lot of money returning it to an art deco picture palace. It’s so painful to see these places disappear before our eyes.