REEL CINEMA TO STAGE LIVE MUSIC FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE BEATLES PLAYED THERE

For one night only Plymouth's treasured Reel cinema will host a night of music – 50 years after The Beatles last performed there.

Casa, a house music event held every month over the winter period, has been given special permission to hold the night in Screen 1 of the cinema – which has been threatened with demolition.

In 1967 The Beatles held two sell-out shows at the venue, back when it was called the ABC Theatre.

Live shows were held there regularly during the 1960s and 70s, but the last time the stage was used was for a Morecambe and Wise comedy show. Now the people behind Casa want to bring the venue back to its roots – only this time with house and techno.

With plans to demolish the 1930s structure, built on the site of the former Theatre Royal, the fight continues to ward off developers and keep it standing.

Plans were unveiled in October last year to replace the building with a hotel, commercial units and student accommodation.

But this is not the first time there has been a proposal to demolish the Art Deco cinema, once known as the ABC.

In 2008, during the early stages of the financial crisis and recession, plans were revealed to knock down the 1938 picture house and replace it with a 10-screen multiplex.

It is the only one left in the city from the golden age of pictures when Plymouth boasted numerous big screens and flea pits.

source:.plymouthherald