State Cinema, Grays.
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The State Cinema
is situated in George Street, Grays. which forms a junction with the
"new" High Street. It has a grade 2 listed status which unfortunately
like many similar buildings throughout the country is
falling into disrepair, there have been several "relaunches"
over the past 20 years or so one of which included showing the 1985 film
"Back to the Future", other ventures have been a nightclub/wine bar
known as "Charleston's" and a museum but all have been short-lived.
Perhaps the most famous was the inclusion of the interior in the film "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" starring Bob
Hoskins.
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The State story began in 1938 when it opened as the most modern cinema of its type with seating for 2,200 and lavish facilities to match complete with immaculately dressed doormen and staff plus a unique Compton organ to play the latest melodies.
Then came the rise of television, then later video recorders and multi screen cinema's and finally a decision was reached to close when it became financially impossible to continue often with an audience of just 2 or 3. A re-run of The Hurricane starring Dorothy Lamour, the first film to be shown there, to mark the 50 year Golden Jubilee opening in 1988 brought the crowds surging back but was alas, short lived.
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"Just to update your information on
the State Cinema,Grays. In February 2000, backed by the Thurrock
Heritage Forum I approached English Heritage with the suggestion that
they upgrade the listing on the State. On 28th June 2000 the State was
reclassified as a Grade 2* listed building, placing it amongst the best
remaining classic cinemas in the country.
Since then the Thurrock Heritage Forum has been in regular touch with the new owners, Wm.Morrison Supermarkets plc, with a view to helping with the possible establishment of a charitable trust to run the State as a community arts facility. At the moment a feasability study needs to be commissioned which I hope will agree with the charitable trust scenario. Any new developments will be reported on the Thurrock Heritage Forum website. www.thurrockheritageforum.co.uk " -Letter from Mike Ostler, Thurrock Heritage Forum |
