Liverpool’s Adelphi used to be a place that stops the time, although it was almost forgotten in the 21st century. Its special atmosphere attracted connoisseurs of cinema and architectural heritage. It became Liverpool’s symbol reminiscent of the past when classic cinemas were centres of culture. What happened in this building and what happened to it? Learn more at liverpool-trend.com.
Beginning of the story
For modern Liverpool residents, the name Adelphi is associated with a hotel. However, there used to be a theatre and then a cinema on Charlotte Street. Its story began even before the era of cinema.
At the end of the 18th century, a local resident set up a riding school and an indoor arena for horse shows on Christian Street. In 1803, another city resident, Mr. Davis, converted the site into a circus arena and called it the Olympic Circus.
In 1808, the architect John Foster rebuilt the building. It continued to operate until 1812 when Astley, Davis and Parker took it over. In the same year, the building was renamed the New Olympic Circus. Under the management of John Cooke, the place remained a centre for circus arts for several more years until 1825. Then the premises were flooded due to sewers bursting, so the circus moved to Charlotte Street.
From circus to theatre
After the reconstruction, the circus was converted into the Queen’s Theatre in 1831. Subsequently, it underwent numerous changes in architecture and ownership. In 1846, after another reconstruction, the building was named the Royal Adelphi Theatre and its first performance became a production of Romeo and Juliet.
William Scholes Branson took over the institution in July 1862. He simplified its name to Adelphi. This gentleman resigned in 1869. During his tenure, the theatre became well known for its successful and spectacular dramatic productions.
The new owner, Thomas Theodore Heath, was more fond of variety shows. He renamed the institution Adelphi Music Hall & Theatre of Varieties and appointed Harry De Freece as a manager. In the 1870s, Edward Trevanion tried to bring back dramatic performances, but the programme returned to evening variety in the end.
Adelphi’s film era and destruction
The institution ended its theatrical history and began cinematic one at the beginning of the 20th century. People needed some fun, so they increasingly chose the cinema over the theatre.
From 1906, the building temporarily served as a gymnastics club. In 1912, it was adapted for showing films and opened as the Adelphi Cinema. In 1921, the old building was demolished and a new one, called the New Adelphi Cinema, was built in its place. It became a popular place among the townspeople, but its fate was tragic.
In November 1940, during the massive bombing of Liverpool (historically known as the Liverpool Blitz), the Adelphi Cinema was destroyed by a mine explosion. Local resident Les Crowder recalled that their house, located nearby, was also damaged that night. The front door flew off and metal pieces of the cinema building fell in front of their window. This bombing was a tragedy for many local families.
Adelphi’s legacy
Although the old building was destroyed, the memory of the Adelphi Cinema lives on in the minds of elderly residents and the city’s archives. Most likely, the eyewitnesses are no longer here, but at least some of them shared their impressions years after the building’s destruction. Thus, modern Liverpool residents have heard the stories from their grandparents.
The history of the Adelphi reminds us of the change of eras, from circus to theatre and then from theatre to cinema. The Adelphi left its mark on Liverpool’s cultural heritage, recalling the times when cinema was only gaining popularity and such places were the most important centres of cultural life.
