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The Odeon/The Ambassador

High Street, Cosham

1937-1980

The Ambassador cinema in Cosham. It was built on the site of the cattle market, It was built in 1936 by Samuel Berney. Built for the Independent circuit London and County Cinemas Ltd, the Ambassador Cinema opened on 8th March 1937 with Tom Walls in “Dishonour Bright”. Well known British film star Will Hay made a personal appearance at the opening. The Ambassador was designed in a smart Art Deco style with seating provided for 1,124 in the stalls and 521 in the balcony level. It was equipped with a Compton 3Manual/8Rank theatre organ with Grand Piano that was opened by Thomas Grosch. The organ chambers were above the proscenium. Other facilities in the building were a tea lounge that had a sprung dance floor. Within months of opening the Ambassador was taken over by the Oscar Deutsch chain of Odeon Theatres Ltd from July 1937. It was re-named Odeon from 30th April 1945. The Odeon closed on 3rd July 1976 and was converted into a Top Rank Bingo Club. Today it still operates as a bingo hall operated by the Independent chain of Crown Bingo Clubs.NULL