Swindon Cinema History: The Savoy Closes After 30 Years
The building at 1,770 seats that served as a Wetherspoon pub for three decades will close on November 8 after being sold to an undisclosed buyer.
By Jonathan Reed ·
The Savoy, a Wetherspoon pub on Regent Street in Swindon that operated for three decades, will close its doors on November 8. The establishment, which originally opened in 1937 as a cinema, has been sold to an unnamed buyer.
The building held 1,770 seats and was known as Swindon's first super cinema. Its initial feature presentation included the comedy A Star Fell from Heaven and the film Captain January, starring child actor Shirley Temple. The venue changed names over the years, operating as ABC and then Cannon before becoming a Wetherspoon in 1996.
Film maker Martin Parry MBE expressed concern about the building's future. He stated that it would be a great shame if the structure was converted into flats. Parry, who moved to Wiltshire in 1980, recalled the venue as a lovely cinema with a nice period ambience. He noted that the experience felt special and included a touch of glamour that is now hard to find.
Historian Graham Carter raised concerns about the preservation of two blue plaques on the exterior wall. These plaques commemorate the Starr brothers, World War II pilots born and raised in Swindon. Carter said he hoped the new owner would respect the plaques and the architecture. He emphasized that the building is Art Deco, a style that is rare in Swindon, and that its history is part of the local culture.
A Wetherspoon spokesman confirmed the sale and stated that the company occasionally sells some of its pubs. The spokesman noted that this is the situation here and that the buyer is currently undisclosed. The Savoy originally closed as a cinema in 1991 due to competition from out-of-town theaters.
Local residents shared personal memories of the cinema era in response to a social media request. Dave Rogers mentioned that he found it cheaper to buy a birthday card at Woolworths to gain free entry than to pay admission. Harpo Wol recalled dancing in the aisles during a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Show. Kelly Wilkie identified the venue as the site of her first cinema visit, where she watched The Little Mermaid.
Jo Wheatley described the interior as red, with steps leading down to a sweets counter. She recalled being in the queue for Gremlins 2 at age eight, even though the film had a 12 rating. Her mother tried to hide her behind a tall man to get her through the door, but staff caught them.
