The Regal cinema in Bathgate opened in 1938, seating 1,067, and is in exterior form very much as originally built. The fenestration is also still there. The building is a fine symmetrical Art Deco composition with classical overtones. The front consists of three bays; the outer two protrude forward so as to create a recessed entrance area underneath the balcony between them. The fenestration in the central bay as well as the side wings adds a vertical emphasis to this otherwise very solid and square building.
The interior has undergone some changes to allow the building to be adapted for community use. Despite this there are a wealth of original features that remain; the entrance foyer space has excellent terrazzo flooring, finely detailed ‘coming soon’ panels as well as original plasterwork at cornice level and around the edge of the ceiling. The upper foyer has retained its beautiful stained glass windows as well. In the auditorium there is the original plasterwork surround to the proscenium still in place, although it is covered on the sides by what appears to be plasterboard at the moment. The ceiling still retains its coffering and plasterwork Art Deco detailing.
Most importantly, and of great…
The Regal cinema in Bathgate opened in 1938, seating 1,067, and is in exterior form very much as originally built. The fenestration is also still there. The building is a fine symmetrical Art Deco composition with classical overtones. The front consists of three bays; the outer two protrude forward so as to create a recessed entrance area underneath the balcony between them. The fenestration in the central bay as well as the side wings adds a vertical emphasis to this otherwise very solid and square building.
The interior has undergone some changes to allow the building to be adapted for community use. Despite this there are a wealth of original features that remain; the entrance foyer space has excellent terrazzo flooring, finely detailed ‘coming soon’ panels as well as original plasterwork at cornice level and around the edge of the ceiling. The upper foyer has retained its beautiful stained glass windows as well. In the auditorium there is the original plasterwork surround to the proscenium still in place, although it is covered on the sides by what appears to be plasterboard at the moment. The ceiling still retains its coffering and plasterwork Art Deco detailing.
Most importantly, and of great interest, are the large fibrous plasterwork panels with integrated grillwork on the splay walls above the side exits created by John Alexander. They depict a nude chariot rider driving his horse into the sky. The controversy of this theme delayed the cinema’s opening by several days while it was determined if such images were acceptable in a public place. The only other cinema in the UK to retain plasterwork by Alexander is the Grade II-listed Northwick Cinema in Worcester, making the Regal building of far more than just local interest.
It is the finest remaining cinema by the prolific Leven-based firm of A. D. Haxton.
The proscenium was 30 feet wide, and the stage 28 feet deep. Cinemascope was fitted in 1955.
