St Albans: London Road's Odyssey cinema celebrates 8 years

Last night (Thursday, February 23), the London Road location screened 'What's Love Got to Do With It', a day before it's release to cinemas nationwide.

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Those who attended were also treated to birthday cake and a range of complimentary drinks.

A surprise film was shown. (Image: Pearce Bates)

The building itself dates back to 1908, but was left derelict for around 15 years prior to its purchase in 2010.

The location was then taken on by the same team that resurected The Rex in Berkhamsted.

A local campaign raised £1m prior to the building's purchase. (Image: Jack Lo)

A local fundraising campaign - which raised £1 million in the space of a few months - helped to purchase and restore the cinema, which had been split into four screens, back to its 1930s era design.

Complimentary drinks and cake were available. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Now, one large screen is present, with both upstairs and downstairs seating.

A range of historic details have either been restored or recreated within the building.

The Herts Advertiser caught up with David Williams, a member of the cinema's board of directors, and architect Richard Macan-Lind.

Restoration work has recently been completed on the building's exterior. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Richard, being a St Albans local, remembers the building's derelict state prior to its restoration.

Speaking of matching the historical features of the building during the restoration, he said: "It was a very old building. When we came in, was very much derelict.

The building itself dates back to 1908. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"It had been empty for 15 years or so, no repairs, no maintenance.

"It was in a state of decay.

"Luckily, there were some of the original features that were preserved, and we were able to replicate them.

A variety of new and classic movies are shown at The Odyssey. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"Some of the light fittings in the ceiling are the originals, and we reinstated those.

"We replicated those and put them downstairs as well."

More recently, the cinema has undergone a restoration to its exterior.

A mixture of restored and recreated details are featured throughout the Odyssey. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Speaking of seeing the cinema at full capacity and being enjoyed eight years on, Richard added: "I love it. It was a key project in my career.

"I've been in the construction industry, certainly in architecture, for the last 35 years.

"When I was asked, I knew exactly where it was. I was born in St Albans, I went to school in St Albans."

More recently, the exterior of the cinema has been restored. (Image: Jack Lo)

Speaking of seeing the cinema eight years on, member of the board David Williams added: "It was originally going to be demolished, and apartments were going to be built here.

The building was purchased in 2010. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"That fell through because the guy couldn't raise sufficient funds. 

"Then he had the plan of developing it as a hotel, that fell through, and we managed to come to an agreement to buy the building - which was in a pretty poor state, I think it's fair to say.

The cinema was in a state of decay when purchased. (Image: Jack Lo)

"I just want to say thank you to all of our audience, who come in on a regular basis come rain, come shine.

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"Tonight's a good example, people have bought tickets to come here to see...they don't know what.

St Albans' mayor and mayoress attended the event. (Image: Jack Lo)

"Now, I don't know of anywhere else where you can sell tickets to come to a cinema where you don't know the film!"

The downstairs section of the Odyssey features round tables and chairs. (Image: Jack Lo)