Internal photos
Excerpt describing the auditorium from the Opening Night Souvenir Programme - 24th December 1928
"No less satisfying is the interior. From the architectural standpoint, every effort has been made to secure the ideal and to ensure that every patron from whichever seat occupied shall have a full and uninterrupted view of the proscenium and orchestra. The General Decorations are unique in their simplicity and effectiveness. The ivory-tinted walls, with dadoes executed in glass tiles, form a pleasing background to the heraldic emblems which are hung from the frieze, whilst they contrast most fittingly with the elaborate brass grilles in the Italian style to the Organ Chambers. The proscenium frame is treated in a delightful and artistic manner, the Stage being of exceptional size, so that the Management may keep abreast of the times and be able to supply the public with what it demands in the way of kine-variety."
The Auditorium - 1920s - 40's
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Reginald Liversidge at the 'Rex Gloria' Organ,
Ambassador Super Cinema, 1928
A look at one of the theatre’s iconic musical moments, featuring Reginald Liversidge at the stunning ‘Rex Gloria’ organ.
Mock-up of the Ambassador’s Proscenium
Based on descriptions of the Ambassador and photos from the Kingsway Cinema, this visual representation offers a glimpse into what the Ambassador's proscenium likely looked like on its opening night.
Stage Setup for "Dancing Waters" Display, 1930s
A stunning display of the 'Dancing Waters' stage setup from the 1930s, showcasing the theatre's versatility and grand design.
Stage Setup for a Concert or Jazz Band, 1940s
This image captures the vibrant cultural offerings during the 1940s, with a stage prepared for a concert or jazz performance.
Kingsway Super Cinema Balcony View, 1929
This photo from Kingsway Super Cinema, taken from the balcony, shows an almost identical layout to the Ambassador, with the exception of two Grecian-style columns flanking the proscenium, instead of one.
Kingsway Super Cinema Stage and Organ Grills, 1936
Featuring the elegant organ grills and proscenium with beutiful chandaliers and italianate lighting, this image reflects the detailed craftsmanship shared with the Ambassador’s own interior.
( Photo courtesy of the Cinema Theatre Association)
Kingsway Super Cinema Balcony and Stalls, 1936
This view highlights the ornate décor of the balcony and stalls, with the Norse winged helmet/shield at the ends of the ceiling truss beams the decorative tiling, the balcony molding, and the sunburst face plasterwork on the side walls a feature replicated from the Ambassador.
( Photo courtesy of the Cinema Theatre Association)
Cafe and Foyer - 1930's
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Café Set for Afternoon Tea, 1930
Elegant and inviting, the Ambassador’s café was a perfect setting for an afternoon tea, reflecting the cinema’s luxurious experience.
( Photos courtesy of the North West Film Archive)
Thomas and May Howard's Wedding Reception in June 1931
John Howard's brother Thomas and his Wife, May with their wedding party. Possibly in the foyer or cafe of the Ambassador
L to R - Minnie Howard, ??, Thomas Howard, Kay Howard, Annie Howard, James Howard, ??.
There is also a photo in the External Photos section, of the bride and groom coming out of the Ambassador
Ticket Booth in the Foyer, 1930
The classic design of the Ambassador’s ticket booth
( Photo courtesy of the North West Film Archive)
Ticket Booth from Kingsway 1930
The classic design of the Ambassador’s ticket booth mirrored in the Kingsway Super Cinema, showcasing the unified architectural vision across both cinemas.
( Photo courtesy of the Cinema Theatre Association)
Oscar Rabin's Jazz Band - 1940
During the Blitz on the night of December 22nd, 1940, Oscar Rabin's Band was performing on stagewhile the Blitz was raging outside, but the show went on regardless until the building shuddered as a bomb exploded on some houses just behind the Ambassador. Only then did the audience start to leave, and without panic.
The Auditorium - 1960s & 70's
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Early Bingo Days, 1960s
During its transformation into a bingo hall, the proscenium curtains and organ grills remained in place, maintaining the theatre’s original charm despite the change in function
Rear of the Circle, 1960s
The rear circle seats, upholstered in crushed velour, offer a peek into the cinema's plush design, with projection portals still in place. These were a later addition as the opening night programme describes the seats as being grey corduroy upholstered.
View of the Auditorium, 1960s
Another angle showing more of the side walls and stage as the cinema transitioned into its bingo hall phase.
The Auditorium - 1993
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Filmed in February 1993, some 18 months before broadcast on July 8th, 1994, and just 12 months after the Ambassador had a major refit.
Coronation Street viewers were treated to a view of the Ambassador Mecca Bingo which was doubling for a Blackpool bingo hall where Vera Duckworth (actress Liz Dawn) was visiting her Grandson Tommy and just happened to bump into an old flame called Lester Fontayne (actor David Ross)
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Coronation Street Filming, February 1993
The Ambassador doubled as a Blackpool bingo hall in a memorable "Coronation Street" episode, filmed in 1993 and broadcast in July 1994. This image shows the Granada camera crew filming iconic scenes featuring Vera Duckworth.
Vera Duckworth’s Bingo Moment
Actress Liz Dawn, playing Vera Duckworth, checks her bingo card, bringing the Ambassador’s vibrant atmosphere to the small screen. Vera's definitely onto a winner at the Ambassador.
Vera Duckworth checks her bingo card
Lester Fontayne, as smooth as his shiny suit.
Read all about the filming and watch video clips of the episode on the "The Coronation Street Connection" page
The Auditorium April 2001, (Ambassador Project site visit)
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View from the Rear of the Stalls
An expansive view from the rear of the stalls, capturing the grand scale of the auditorium.
Proscenium & Stage from Mid-Stalls
A detailed shot of the proscenium and stage, still standing proudly after decades of performances and events.
Proscenium & Stage from RHS Stalls
A captivating view of the proscenium arch framed by decorative detailing, emphasizing its grandeur, despite the intrusion of the Mecca mezzanine additions.
View of the Left Side Wall
This image presents the left side wall of the auditorium, adorned with ornamental features that showcase its architectural elegance. Decorative moldings and relief details accentuate the vertical lines, creating a sense of height and openness. These are still apparent despite the Mecca mezzanine
Proscenium and Organ Chambers
The proscenium arch is beautifully complemented by the organ chambers, where ornate detailing and craftsmanship are still evident.
The Auditorium from the Stage
A unique perspective from the stage reveals the auditorium’s vastness, inviting audiences into a world of entertainment. The curvature of the ceiling and the intricate detailing of the balcony can be seen.
The Auditorium from the Organ Pit
From the organ pit, now a staircase to the cafe under the stage. this angle highlights the strategic placement of the organ, designed to enhance the acoustic experience. The view captures the vast elegance of the auditorium while emphasizing the organ's role in elevating performances.
Auditorium Ceiling and balcony front
The ceiling and balcony front exhibit exquisite craftsmanship, featuring intricate plasterwork and moldings. The design elements, such as the decorative frieze on the arch and the structural beams over the balcony show the structural strength of the architectural design
Balcony RHS wall and ceilings
This image shows the detailed molding frieze on the arch and the structural beams over the balcony show the structural strength of the architectural design. The fauxArt Deco drapes and pelmets hide the decorative window niches that were added in 1932.
Auditorium panorama looking towards the stage end
This captivating panorama offers a sweeping view from the rear of the balcony, directed towards the stage. This perspective beautifully showcases the cinema's impressive size and intricate design. The architectural details, including ornate moldings and decorative elements, stand out prominently, reflecting the rich craftsmanship that enhances the overall ambiance of the space. This image invites viewers to appreciate the grandeur of the cinema, creating a sense of nostalgia for the performances that have graced the stage.
Auditorium panorama looking towards the balcony end
This stunning panorama offers a sweeping view from the stage, gazing towards the balcony. You can admire the beautifully decorative arched ceiling beams, showcasing a harmonious blend of classical elegance and modern functionality. This perspective provides a unique insight into the theater’s interior, allowing you to appreciate the space from a performer's point of view. It captures the charm and character of the auditorium, inviting viewers to imagine the vibrant performances that have taken place here.
Plaster Detailing
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Coffered Ceiling with Frieze
Intricate detail of the coffered ceiling includes a frieze of acanthus leaves and palmettes, with heraldic shields featuring Norse winged helmets on the end of the arched beams.
Two out of fourteen photographs of the Ambassador taken by English Heritage Photographer: Bob Skingle, on 23rd November 2000, clearly show that claims about the Mecca Bingo alterations removing much of the interior’s detailing were misleading. These photos provide proof that the changes were exaggerated, likely to assist Rank in their effort to have the building delisted, and they certainly didn't take as many detailed photos as they should have done for a listed building.
These two photos are courtesy of © Historic England Archive
Heraldic Shield & Drape Moulding
The historic moulding, still visible beneath the Mecca Bingo colours, offers a glimpse into the Ambassador’s original décor, including the 'A' for Ambassador intricately designed within the Norse helmet.
The detail of the frieze, including the heraldic shield with swords and drapes, along with the winged Norse helmet, remains quite visible despite the gaudy Mecca colour scheme. Notably, the helmet’s peak features an 'A' for Ambassador, intricately molded into the design. This level of craftsmanship adds an artistic layer to the building's character, even with modern alterations.
Heraldic shield & drape moulding with Nordic winged helmet at the beam ends to the ceiling coffers, which we believe had a light inside, Here we show how the Mecca branded décor may have compared with how it was described in the opening night programme. below we show how it may have looked with the Holophane lighting and the helmet light.
Side Alcoves with Starburst Molding
These elegant side alcoves feature detailed starburst molding, adding a touch of art deco glamour to the auditorium's design and a hallmark of 1920s cinema design, reflecting the Ambassador's opulence.
Side Alcoves with Starburst Molding
These lit alcoves appear to have been a later addition in 1932 with a newspaper advert boasted new lighting effects including rainbow alcoves that showcased ever-changing colours.
Close up detail
Decorative Pediment: At the top, there’s a scallop shell design, symbolizing water and pilgrimage, which is a common classical motif.
Sunburst detail
Such designs are reminiscent of classical architecture and art, where motifs of goddesses and mythological figures were commonly used.
Organ Grill Column Detail
The fluted columns flanking the organ grilles are elegantly topped with Corinthian-style capitals, featuring detailed Acanthus leaves. Above the columns, a decorative scroll-top pediment is adorned with a flaming torch motif, symbolizing enlightenment and creativity. This classical design element adds grandeur to the stage area while highlighting the intricate craftsmanship that defined the cinema's original architectural aesthetic.
Balcony detail
The balcony edge showcases a beautifully curved design with intricate scrollwork molding, enhancing its ornate appearance. The recessed panels below the scrolls add depth and dimension to the structure, creating a layered visual effect. The detailing includes an alternating pattern of geometric shapes along the lower edges, giving it a sense of classical craftsmanship.
Ceiling Vent Grille with Gauze
This ornate ceiling vent grille, featuring intricate geometric patterns, is equipped with a gauze covering. The central design showcases a symmetrical eight-pointed star, surrounded by interlocking shapes. This grille was originally part of the cinema’s ventilation system, designed to filter and push fresh air into the auditorium.
Different Ceiling Vent Without Gauze
This ceiling vent, grille features a different design, resembling a flower. The radial symmetry and petal-like shapes emanating from the centre give it a floral appearance. This design choice adds a natural and decorative element to the vent, enhancing its aesthetic appeal while maintaining its functional purpose. Unlike the previous vent, it lacks a gauze cover, indicating it was likely part of the air extraction system. This design would have helped keep the cinema cool and comfortable by facilitating airflow and temperature control.
Alcove Niches on the Side Wall
These side wall niches added architectural depth to the auditorium, enhancing both form and function. They appear to have been a later addition installed in 1932 with a newspaper advert boasted new lighting effects including rainbow alcoves that showcased ever-changing colours.
Detailed Tiles Along the Dado
After scraping away layers of paint, the original 1928 Helio (Heliotrope) and blue tiles re-emerge, offering a glimpse into the cinema's vibrant past. These detailed tiles once adorned the lower walls, reflecting the era's taste for rich, decorative finishes. These tiles were topped with a detailed Acanthus leave plaster moulded dado finish.
Balcony Staircases
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Staircase from Foyer to Restaurant Landing
These stairs once led patrons to the restaurant landing, showcasing the cinema's grandeur.
Staircase from the foyer to the restaurant landing
This grand staircase connects the foyer to the restaurant landing. The steps, originally marble, here covered over with gaudy Mecca Bingo carpeting, had cast iron balustrades topped with beautifully carved mahogany handrails up the centre. The craftsmanship highlights the theatre's blend of elegance and functionality.
Restaurant landing
The restaurant landing served as a transitional space between the foyer and the balcony, offering a view of both levels. The balustrades, had a cast iron framework joined up with a floral motif and flutted column posts and topped with a mahogany handrail, add a touch of classic sophistication to the area.
Stairs from restaurant landing
leading up to the balcony
The cast iron balustrades topped with mahogany handrails featuring carved rolled ends.
View from the top of restaurant landing down to the foyer
The elegant marble steps hidden below Mecca Bingo carpeting, with cast iron balustrades topped with mahogany handrail.
Stained Glass Transom Window
A close-up of the stunning stained glass window above one of the balcony vestibule doors, adding a touch of artistic elegance to the cinema
Stained Glass Transom Window
A photo of one of the other stained glass transom windows above one of the doors into the balcony vestibule. A simple but beautiful detail that many would not have noticed but was a testement to the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the time.
café rendevous
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Café Rendezvous Front
A shot of the café front, revealing a false ceiling that conceals the original height of the floor-to ceiling windows as well as the highly decorated ceiling.
Café Rear Panels
Hidden behind plasterboard, the original oak panels of the Café Rendezvous can still be seen, preserving some of the cinema’s historical richness.
Dressing rooms
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In the 1920s, dressing rooms in UK cinemas and variety theatres were modest and functional, with simple amenities like mirrors, basic seating, and minimal wardrobe space. Lighting was often limited to a single bulb for makeup application. The quality varied by venue, with higher-end theatres offering slightly better facilities. Star performers in variety theatres might have private rooms, while ensemble members often shared communal spaces. Though lacking in luxury, these dressing rooms were essential backstage areas for performers across a range of acts, from musicians to dancers.
Dressing Room
One of the six original dressing rooms, used by variety acts performing at the Ambassador.
Dressing Room
Another larger dressing room, there were three such dressingrooms on each side of the stage block
Paybox for the Cheap Seats
In the 1920s, UK cinemas commonly had separate entrances and pay boxes for "cheap seats," often referred to as "the gods" or the "pit" for those with less expensive tickets. These cheaper areas were typically located in the balcony or stalls, providing a more affordable option for working-class audiences. The design was practical: separate pay boxes allowed cinemas to manage the different price tiers and crowds more efficiently, while distinct entrances helped segregate patrons based on their ticket class, reflecting the social divisions of the time.
Cheap Seats Paybox
Here is Peter Blance showing the pay box for the 'cheap seats' entrance from the car park side of the cinema, a relic from the early days when cinema was affordable for all. Behind Peter to the right of the photo is the entrance to the stage and dressing rooms, you can see the small flight of steps up to that level.
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