The Rex News Theatre was the final short-lived incarnation on the site.
Photo courtesy of Brighton & Hove Libraries' Brighton History Centre

As it was after conversion in 2006.

Coronation Cinema (1911-1928)
New Coronation (1928-1934)
Troxy Cinema (1934-1938)
Rex News Theatre (1938-1939)

104 North Road, Brighton 09
operated 1911-1939

1911 Coronation Cinema opened in former shop premises. Owned by J L Crown (29 Denmark Villas, Hove), designed by local architect Alfred Carden (planning application dated 1 June 1911) and named in honour of the coronation of King George V. The auditorium runs behind adjacent shops at right angles to the entrance, with exits in Cheltenham Place. It had exits 350 seats.
1913 When J L Crown takes over the Palladium, acquired by George Bloch, who also runs the Imperial Picture Palace and soon adds the Bijou Select Palace, forming an embryonic circuit. Prints are bicycled—literally—between the three locations.
1913 November 20 Re-opens with balcony, which adds 200 seats to the auditorium.
1917 Proprietor is James Hardiman (cf, Arcadia). 1928 Renamed New Coronation
1928 Renamed New Coronation. The manager is Basil Fortesque.
1931 Prices 5d-1s 6d.
1932 Becomes the last Brighton cinema to install sound equipment but is still showing 'silent' films the following year.
1934 Renamed the Troxy Cinema. Prices 4d-1s 6d.
1935 Remodelled in art deco style by local architects Gates & Son.
1937 Peter Drew-Bear (see Duke of York's), aged 15, is rewind boy on 10s a week, soon promoted to projectionist.
1938 July 3 Closed for replacement of frontage. Renamed Rex News Theatre
1939 June 17 Closed. Last films: San Quentin and Ever Since Eve.

• Until the end of the 20th century a motorcycle showroom, the external shape of a very early purpose-built cinema could still be seen until the site was re-developed in 2001. The current facade is said to be modelled on the original appearance. The auditorium was demolished.

Brighton cinema directory
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