Catalogue

This is a ‘First’ in the theatres history, the subject has never previously been approached despite having the important role of producing a local audience that would support a theatre in the town of Stoke. Planning permission was difficult as it was built of wood but in the end the council agreed to its building as it was meant as a trial theatre to support the building of a grand permanent theatre which it did. A great read with full details of the building but sadly there is no image available.

Little if anything has ever been written about a small, corrugated steel-built cinema that stood facing the A34 at Trentvale opposite to the entrance of London Road called the KOZY and created an interest and determination to find out about as much as possible as Richard lived only a matter of yards away for a few years.it was opened on 14th September 1922, at a time following the end of WW1 when the Trent Vale district was starting to develop with more social housing and estates both at Trent Vale and nearby Hanford.
This account covers most of the ups and downs of a small local cinema and how it evolved as part of the community. Between films the scree would be moved for short live shows, magicians, dancers, ventriloquists and more to attract more bums on seats.
It became a second home to many mostly within walking distance and on a number of occasions the building was hires out for special occasions such as lectures or specific films for certain groups. A good read for those keen to learn more about provincial cinemas of the early 20th century.