Studio One Pontefract



Studio One was a 1,190-seat cinema in Ropergate and Jubilee Way, Pontefract that ran from 1926 to 1993.

The Crescent opened on November 2, 1926 and within the complex was the 1,190-seat cinema which had a fully-equipped stage with associated dressing rooms, a café and a substantial dance hall. The original projection box was located at the rear of the stall, under the circle. At some time (date unknown) the interior was given an Art Deco style makeover.

It was taken over by the Leeds based Star Cinemas chain in 1944, (as was the Alexandra Cinema in town) and as the popularity of cinemas waned the Alexandra Cinema was the property turned over to bingo in 1961 with films continuing at the Crescent Cinema. However when the Alexandra Cinema was sold off for redevelopment in 1971 Star sub-divided the Crescent Cinema forming a bingo hall in the former stalls and a new 412 cinema in the balcony that, like many of their cinemas, was renamed Studio 1. A new projection box was built in the roof void, and projection to the screen was via a mirror system.

Further changes in ownership to the Cannon Group took place, bingo was superseded by snooker and the Cannon Cinema closed in 1993. It has not been used since although the snooker continues and a school of dance occupies the former ballroom.

In September of 2015, a campaign was launched to gain support to reopen the 412-seat cinema in the former circle area.