SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY

This blog is dedicated to the work of the society who own and maintain the 3 manual, 9 rank John Compton Co. Theatre Organ which was originally installed in the new Black's Regal Cinema in Holmeside, Sunderland in 1932. It later became known as the"Odeon" and after a number of years conversion to "bingo" necessitated the removal of the organ. It was thankfully purchased and taken into storage in 1983. 

The organ was installed in the main hall of the Ryhope Community Association, and this was completed in 1992. Regular concerts are held at this venue featuring this mighty Compton organ. Members may listen to, or play the organ on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 1.30pm until 4pm.

Concert venue address...

Ryhope Community Association

Black Road

Ryhope 

Sunderland

Tyne & Wear

SR2 0RX

John Compton 3/9 Organ in Ryhope Community Centre.

CONCERT on SUNDAY 16th MARCH 2014.

Time 2.30 pm, featuring Andrew Nix and Tony Stace at the console with a pleasing programme of popular tunes, light classical, songs from the shows etc.

Tickets at the door £5, includes interval refreshment.

Use side "red"door in Black Road. Hall opens 2pm for 2.30pm prompt start.

Further details please use the email address below.

Tony and Andrew in colourful attire!

The Compton Organ in its original home.

In this splendid photograph below, the Compton organ can be seen in its original home where it resided from 1932  until 1982. When installed the console was in the centre of the orchestra pit standing on the floor. An organ lift was installed at a later date so it could be elevated and seen by the audience. The organ chambers were to the left hand side of the proscenium arch, and it sounded through shutters which faced the circle. From a mixing room the sound entered the auditorium through a grille known as "The Dancing Lady" (from the plaster pattern on it). The organ was installed for the Black's Regal Cinema, and there was a grand opening show on Easter Monday 28th March 1932. Mr J. Arnold Eagle performed the opening concert at the organ, and also conducted his orchestra to accompany the stage show.

posted by Neville
Organ information or concert details use the address below.

email... ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com