A History of Cinema in Bury St Edmunds

A special illustrated talk by historian and author John Orbell.

Going to the cinema was once part and parcel of daily life, and the people of Bury St Edmunds went in droves. From 1911 the town was served by a succession of cinemas. Some, such as the Empire, the Rink, the Electric and the Gem, are long gone, but many will remember the Central (now the Abbeygate), the Playhouse and the Odeon. Cinema was at the heart of recreation in Bury, but it also had economic and political dimensions.

In this illustrated talk, drawing on his recent book, Continuous Performance: A History of Cinema in Bury St Edmunds (2026), Dr John Orbell traces the story from about 1900 to the near-collapse of cinema-going in the 1980s. He covers the progression from the first primitive cinemas to the luxurious super-cinemas of the interwar years; the films shown; the arrival of the talkies; the cinemas’ wartime role; censorship by magistrates; rows over Sunday opening; fire risks and safety; misbehaviour in the auditorium; and the coming of television, which devastated cinema-going in the town.

Time: (18:40 doors) Talk and Q&A: 7pm - 8:30pm
Tickets: £10
Booking: Essential. Please click the ‘book now’ button or call The Apex Box Office on 01284 758000
Venue: Moyses Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds

This event is promoted by West Suffolk - Heritage