Warrington’s Odeon: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane
The Odeon in Warrington town centre holds a special place in the hearts of many residents, even though it closed its doors 30 years ago. The final film shown at this iconic cinema was the action thriller Speed, leaving a lasting impression on those who were lucky enough to experience its magic.
Memories Shared by Readers
Since the release of a photograph depicting the old Odeon, over 100 readers have come forward to share their cherished memories of the venue. Lynn Travis fondly recalls the Odeon as her first job, where she worked part-time from 1984 to 1987. She reminisces about the great friends she made and the unforgettable experiences she had during her time there.
Caron Williams, on the other hand, remembers a more traumatic experience at the Odeon. Her father allowed her to skip school to watch Watership Down, a film that left a lasting impact on her for years to come. Despite the emotional scarring, Caron’s memory of the Odeon remains vivid in her mind.
A Hub of Entertainment and Fond Memories
Pauline Dever shares her fond memories of the Odeon, where she frequented the Saturday morning kids club and enjoyed classic movies like Herbie Rides Again, Close Encounters, The Witches of Eastwick, and E.T. The Odeon was not just a cinema but a cultural hub where families and friends gathered to create lasting memories.
Kath Potts recalls taking her son to watch his first film, The Flintstones, at the Odeon. The experience was so memorable that her son stood up for the entire movie, displaying his sheer delight in the cinematic experience. This heartwarming anecdote underscores the special place the Odeon held in the hearts of families in Warrington.
Vicky Louise Bloor, a more recent resident of Warrington, expresses regret at missing out on experiencing the Odeon, having moved to the town long after its closure. Her curiosity about the iconic cinema reflects the lasting legacy it left on the community.
Julie Dagley fondly remembers watching The Krays, the last film shown at the Odeon before its closure. This final viewing marked the end of an era for many residents who had grown up frequenting the beloved cinema.
A Symbol of Nostalgia and Community
Julie Hampton Bennett reflects on the beauty of the Odeon, both in its architecture and in the memories it held for many residents. The smell of the cinema, the grandeur of the building, and the sense of community it fostered are all aspects that remain etched in the minds of those who once walked through its doors.
Shirley Moss recalls the joy of attending the Saturday morning kids club at the Odeon, where she danced at the front during intervals. Her brother, Vic, may not have shared her enthusiasm for dancing, but their shared experiences at the Odeon created lasting bonds and cherished memories for the siblings.
Anne Barton looks back on the happy times spent at the Odeon, particularly during the final showing of Speed. The sense of nostalgia and camaraderie that permeated the cinema during its heyday is evident in Anne’s recollections.
Wire Ali shares a humorous memory of the Odeon, recounting a mishap involving marbles rolling to the front of the stalls during a visit with his cousin. Despite the mishap, the memory highlights the laughter and joy that were synonymous with visits to the Odeon.
James Thomason reminisces about the evolution of the Odeon, from its original one large screen to the introduction of three screens. His memory of leaving the cinema through an exit that led to Greggs Bakers next door adds a touch of nostalgia to his recollections of the iconic venue.
In conclusion, the Odeon in Warrington town centre may have closed its doors three decades ago, but its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to experience its magic. From first jobs to family outings, traumatic movie experiences to cherished memories, the Odeon holds a special place in the collective memory of the Warrington community. As residents look back on their time spent at the Odeon, they are reminded of the joy, laughter, and sense of community that this iconic cinema brought to their lives.