Pass the popcorn-taking a look at Barry’s forgotten cinemas…

From 1929 -2008 the town saw a total of 6 cinemas disappear throughout history.

Theatre Royal (Image: Paul Ogden)

Locals could choose from ‘The Tivoli’ on Holton Road, ‘The Palace’ and ‘The Plaza’ on Vere Street, ‘The Savoy’ and ‘Romilly Theatre’ on Broad Street, and the ‘Theatre Royal’ on Gladstone Road.

Currently out of all these venues only two remain standing ‘The Savoy’ which is now ‘The Savoy snooker club’ and ‘The Romilly’ which now serves as the towns local Wetherspoons ‘The Sir Samuel Romilly.’

Paul Ogden has fond memories of going to Romilly Theatre throughout his childhood in the late 50s. He said: “My regular cinema as a young boy was the Romilly cinema, where every Saturday morning we watched a cliff-hangers like someone tied to railway track with a train coming. Then To be continued, next week.”

Theatre Royal posters (Image: Paul Ogden) We asked Paul what snacks he enjoyed he said: “There was popcorn by my favourite was the hot roasted peanuts."

So, what happened to the other cinemas?  The Tivoli which had a life span of 1939-1973 operated as a bingo hall until its demolition in 1994.

The Palace operated as a cinema from 1914 to the 1950s where it was reportedly used as a gymnasium for a time after closure. Before it was demolished in 1994.

The Plaza operated as a cinema from 1933 to 1955 however, its owners reportedly took over the Tivoli and so its exact closure date is unknown.

The Theatre Royal first operated as a cinema in 1929 under the old name ‘Royal Super Cinema’ its name was changed to The Theatre Royal sometime after 1947’s when it reopened following the Second World War. It operated as a cinema up until April 10, 2008 and was later demolished in August 2012.-The affordable independent living facility, Golau Caredig now stands in its place.

In a town with no cinemas currently the rich history of Barry’s cinemas certainly shines through.