Genesis
Cinema, Whitechapel, London
Architect |
W. R. Glen, chief architect of
the ABC group
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Date
Built
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Opened June 12,
1939
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Location
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93-95 Mile End Road |
Description
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The Genesis cinema occupies a
site on the Mile End Road that has been
home to a number of theatres dating back
to 1848 when the Eagle pub/music hall
first opened. In May of 1885 the
purpose built Paragon Theatre of
Varieties, designed by the famous theatre
architect Frank Matchem, opened its doors
for the first time. As with many
live theatres/music halls, the Paragon
changed with the times becoming a cinema
in 1912 when the popularity of variety was
waning. The Paragon, in its various
formats continued to operate until the
1930s by which time it was called the Mile
End Empire.
Towards the end of the 30s it was
demolished to make way for what the
Genesis' website describes as "...
a modern purpose built super cinema
called the ABC Empire. .... The
Empire's small frontage was faced with
faience tiling, with a metal and glass
canopy, designed and erected by Garton
& Thorne Ltd. The auditorium was
situated well back from the road,
allowing the architect to provide a
very spacious entrance foyer, which
was decorated in light blue and gold
speckle, with gold elliptical columns,
and finely moulded edging on the
ceiling features."
Today the Genesis is apparently under
family ownership and, according to the
Cine-Vue website, has relatively recently
undergone yet another refurbishment.
The website says that, "... the
Genesis Cinema has a long tradition of
providing an alternative and varied
programme which includes an eclectic mix
of high-end mainstream movies and
independent arthouse films."
The latest change has been the refurbishment
of Studio 5 which is, "....intended to
add a little more glamour to the cinema’s
multiplex façade. Containing 40 seats in
the form of comfy sofas and armchairs
(complete with blankets and Ottoman
foot-stalls), this beautifully decorated
screen also boasts table service from its
in-screen bar which serves a selection of
drinks and snacks. As well as screening a
mixture of special events and the cinema’s
regular programming the screen will also
be available for private bookings –the
perfect size for a relaxed and intimate
viewing experience."
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