UK – Manchester – Capitol Theatre

Dates: 1931 – 1997

Location: Didsbury, Manchester

Initially built as a cinema, the building was converted into TV studios for ABC’s Manchester base in 1956 and used for programmes such as Opportunity Knocks and Police Surgeon until 1967.

1931 – Opened as The Capitol Theatre
1932 April – Damaged by fire. Closed for repairs until August 1933
1933 August – Reopens as a cinema, with capacity for live theatre performances as well.
1956 – Converted to TV Studios for ABC
1967 – Studios leased to Yorkshire TV for recording pre-launch programming for the newly merged Associated Rediffusion & ABC, creating Thames Television.
1970 – Sold to Manchester Polytechnic, as the base for their theatre and television school from 1971. Renamed the Horniman Theatre.
1987 – Reverts to original name The Capitol Theatre.
1992 – Polytechnic granted university status and renamed Manchester Metropolitan University.
1997 – Building sold to development company to be demolished for flats. A new Capitol Theatre is built elsewhere as a 140 seat studio theatre.
1998-1999 Demolished
The site is now a large block of flats called Capitol Court.