The Glasgow Paramount cinema/theatre opened on December 31st 1934, seating almost 3000 people. In it’s time it has played host to live concerts from the likes of The Beatles.

It closed today, with nothing changed from a normal day other than the half price ice-cream and pick and mix, and the outside information signage changed to say “Thank You And Goodnight, 31 DEC 34 - 07 JAN 06″

This building is now owned by Duddingston House Properties, the same company that
owns the Odeon in Edinburgh that has been used as Pod Deco and C Electric during the fringe. This usage (and public awareness) of the building in Edinburgh has granted it a short(?) stay of execution. Sadly no such use is likely for the Glasgow one and permission to demolish the grade B listed building, retaining no more than the facade has been granted.

To all at the Odeon, should you read this, you ran a good cinema. Unlike other nearby cinemas you cared about maintaining your building and maintaining your service. Never at a showing in the Odeon have I had a situation where;

You cant hear the film, The aspect ratio is wrong (wrong lens on projector), They don’t bother with houselights at the end of the film, inevitably causing people to trip. All of these have happened to me at the nearby UGC / Cineworld.

Ultimately the demise of this building is probably due to the UGC, and also partially things like the Disability Discrimination Act requirement to install lifts, which would be almost impossible given the nature of the building.

So to the Glasgow Odeon;

Thankyou and goodnight