I lived in Eastwood from January, 1959 until I left home in 1966. I was a projectionist at the Odeon from September 1964 through 1966. I loved this theatre it is still my favourite job as of today 2006!!

I have written because there was a few cinemas that I felt ought to be mentioned in your list:

1) Garon's Theatre. They only charged a shilling for a seat. They had no balcony. They were located almost opposite Keddies just a short distance from the Odeon on the same side of the street walking toward Victoria Circus.
2) Southend Essoldo. Was located approx. opposite the Garon's. The front of the cinema was in a narrow alleyway. You accessed the cinema through an alleyway from the high street. The main entrance I think was in Warrior Square(?). They showed a wonderful collection of 50's science fiction, horror and fantasy films amongst others.
3) Ritz, Pier Hill. This was the second Rank theatre, Odeon was the first. Situated at the end of the high street overlooking the pier.
4) Plaza, Southchurch. I remember very little about this cinema. My Mother took me to see "Mighty Joe Young" (1949) there.
5) Near Southend:

a) Regal, Rayleigh. A wonderful 'stalls only' cinema located in a tiny side street that ran parallel to the high street. Saw a Batman serial and my first 'X' films there.
b) Kingsway, Hadleigh. I remember very little about this large theatre. I remember seeing Vincent Price in "The Fly" there.
c) Century (Granada) Pitsea. I trained as a projectionist here from January to September 1964 before moving to the Odeon, Southend.
d) Rio, Canvey Island. Unfortunately, I know nothing about this cinema.

Contriubuted by Steve Pickard, August 2006.