Designed by architect George Coles, the Gaumont State was the biggest cinema opened in England at the time, with 4004 seats. As well as being lavishly decorated, it had a 100ft by 50ft stage and a Wurlitzer organ. Stars such as Gracie Fields Larry Adler and George Fornby attended the opening ceremony on 20th December 1937. The State was also a popular venue for live music and acts such as Pat Boone, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles performed there. The cinema finally closed in 1990 and the building was, until recently, run as a bingo hall.
