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State Cinema George Street, Grays, Thurrock, Essex The State Cinema is one of the best-preserved ‘Super Cinemas’ of the late 1930’s. It is an excellent example of streamlined Moderne cinemas that were once commonplace in Britain. Unlike many other buildings of this type and period, it has never been sub-divided and is therefore of special architectural significance. The cinema’s Architect FGM Chancellor was a former assistant to the theatre architect Frank Matcham – his works include the London Coliseum and the Blackpool Empire. By the time Chancellor came to be Chief Architect on the State Cinema he had worked on several important projects, notably, the modernisation of Sadlers Wells Theatre, 1927-1931, and the London Pavillion, 1934. The State Cinema was built for Frederick’s Electric Theatres and was constructed from Peterborough Sletton, and then cladded with cream and black faience. The simple, austere exterior of the building is a typically Art Deco design. However, it is the interior that is most remarkable. The cinema’s entrance lobby is circular and covered by a saucer dome and fluted frieze, which is moulded alternately concave and convex. The light fitting is constructed from frosted and reeded glass and forms the foyer’s centrepiece. From the lobby, a large open-well staircase leads up to the upper foyer – another remarkable space with a highly decorative barrel-vaulted ceiling. The auditorium extends over the entrance lobby and two levels of foyers. It holds an impressive 2,200 seats, which are steeply raked and divided into stalls and circle. The seats are upholstered in opulent red velvet and the majority are still in good condition. One of the interior’s most exciting features is the illuminated Compton Organ, which is situated in the middle of the orchestra pit. It sits on a rising platform and is framed by an illuminated pink glass surround. In the stalls foyer, many of the original features, including scalloped vaults, curved Art Deco details, walnut pilasters and light fittings, still remain, although are now showing patina. In an attempt to convert the cinema into a nightclub in the 1980’s, much of the original detailing was covered up, but luckily not removed. The State is famed for featuring in the movie ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ starring Bob Hoskins (1988). The cinema has been used for various other film and fashion shoots as well as the occasional music concert. During the 70’s and 80’s many bands played the State including Hot Chocolate, David Essex, and Suzi Quatro. The Cinema is now owned by Morrisons Supermarkets who acquired the building when they developed on what was the former car park. They have commissioned a full survey and as a result will carry out extensive works to the roof and guttering later this summer. The building is structurally sound and has merely suffered some partial water damage over the years. The council has been awarded a grant to undertake a full feasibility study to look at the economic, as well as architectural possibilities for the building. Thurrock Council are confident of securing further funds for the building from the Sustainable Communities Initiative and other government schemes to regenerate the Thames Estuary. Sarah Duncan
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