Shades of Grey

Today, I went down to London via GNER to attend the AGM of the Mercia Cinema Society, a charitable trust for which I am honorary Treasurer and Webmaster. The meeting was held at the 1937 Robert Cromie Prince of Wales Theatre, currently home to the hit musical show Mamma Mia. Needless to say, I have come away with a couple of hundred photos, some of which are bound to be good.

I have seen a few shows here and have generally regarded the theatre as somewhat disappointing. However, the 2004 transformation by Delfont Mackintosh is absolutely stunning and it has probably never looked as good since it opened as it does now. The public spaces are generous, smart and stylish. The auditorium is warm and welcoming with even the back row Circle being great seats.

Afterwards, we retired to the traditional Pub, the Moon Under Water, in Leicester Square. This wasn’t a random choice, being the drinking haunt of the Odeon staff from the flagship Cinema next door. There, I was delighted to share a glass with two of the best known Projectionists in Britain, Fred from the Empire and Nigel from the Odeon. Fred now works in a private preview Cinema and Nigel has retired but I remain slightly in awe of them for their knowledge, skills, professionalism and love of showmanship. These are two guys who know how to put on a good show.