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

7. British Acoustic Films amplifier name plate

8. Racking

Mercury Arc Valves or Mercury Vapor Rectifiers convert high voltage alternating current in direct current for the typicfal carbon arc projectors

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

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