Behind the Scenes at the Peter Cushing
Issue: 1 Updated: 10th August 2018
1. Frontage of the Oxford Street Building in Whitstable, Kent
Takings its name from the famous English Actor Peter Cushing OBE born 26th May 1913 died 11th August 1994
Best known for his roles in the Hammer Horror Films from the 1950's - 1970's
Spanning six decades he appeared in over 100 films, as well as many television and stage roles
A private gentleman for most of his life a ardent vegitarian, he was dedicated to his wife Helen who died in 1971
A collector of model soldiers and competant painter he stragely suffered Nyctophobia
He had links with Whitstable for over 50 years and lived on Marine Terrace on the foreshore behind island Wall for 35 years
Often seen around town on his bicycle or at his beloved Tudor Tea Rooms in Harbour Street
Now take a look 'Behind the Scenes' of the Peter Cushing with Copy Free photographs taken on Friday 5th April 2013
2. Stairs to the Projection rooms on the top floor
3. Projection room with black non-reflective walls, hot air vents & outlines of switching boards
4. Ghostly image
5.
Auditorium amplifier |
6.
Close Up detail |
7. British Acoustic Films amplifier name plate
8. Racking
9.
Racking |
10.
Mercury Rectifier |
Mercury Arc Valves or Mercury Vapor Rectifiers convert high voltage alternating current in direct current for the typicfal carbon arc projectors
11.
Projector transformer |
12.
Close up detail |
13. Small box room
14. Projection
room
15. Roof terrace above front building sign
16. Roof top access ladder
17. Stairs return to main projector room
18. 1930's period signage at top of roof stairs
19. Original reinforced concrete roof slabs, taken from behind toilets
20. Above the kitchens the top of the Cinema Stage Screen
21. Note original curved ceiling
22. Stairs to basement
23. Wall detail
24. General Manager Grant Thompson digs out the old wooden Oxford front building sign
25.
Boiler base slab |
26.
Boiler core in coal shute |
27. Cellar box room now paint store
28. Below the bar looking to front of building clearly showing the original Cinema floor slope
29. The office ensures smooth running of the Peter Cushing
30. Only here for the beer, part of the extensive range of fine ales that flow daily into the taps of the bar above
With grateful thanks to Grant Thompson & his team for their help producing this feature
Also see The Oxford Cinema for The Oxford, Kings Bingo & The Peter Cushing
32. The Peter Cushing Cut-Out
32. Plenty of memories from the master
In addition to this page on the transformation of the Oxford into the Peter Cushing, Whitstable
See our features on the Old Oxford Cinema and Kings Bingo & The Peter Cushing
Useful Links: Peter Cushing Association : Remembering - Peter Cushing : JD Wetherspoon
Review - Pubs Galore