Historic English Venue Returns To Live Roots

The Reel Cinema in Plymouth, England, which hosted two Beatles concerts some 50 years ago when it was still known as ABC Theatre, will finally serve as a live music venue again, if only for one night.

– Reel Cinema
then ABC Theatre

On March 11, the cinema’s Screen 1 will be transformed into a house and techno club, promoted by Casa Events.

“The seats will be packed up to give plenty of room for dancing whilst still keeping that cinema vibe. As well a fully licensed bar serving all night,” the promoters announced. Casa resident DJs Ryan Platts, Ash Thorp, Gabriela, Wallis Ryan and Felix Thomas are to take the stage.

The venue/cinema is constantly under threat of being demolished and replaced, most recently since October 2016, when plans were announced “to replace the building with a hotel, commercial units and student accommodation,” according to the Plymouth Herald.

The venue opened in 1938 as the Royal Cinema. It was renovated and renamed the ABC Theatre in 1958.

The Beatles weren’t the only live act to grace the stage of the ABC in the ’60s and ’70s. The ABC closed in 1976 and was turned into a triple-screen cinema and bingo club. Since 2006, it has been known as the Reel Cinema.