During two recent visits to Coventry (July/August 2005 and May 2006), I tried to photograph as many old Coventry cinemas as I could remember. Most of the surviving cinemas have had many alternative uses over the years. Some cinemas have gone (The Odeon - now a car park) and some are unrecognisable (The Empire, Hertford St., The Forum, Walsgrave, The Standard, Tile Hill). I would be grateful for any history on the cinemas I have photographed or for any tips on the locations of surviving cinemas that I have missed.

The Alexandra / Theatre One, Ford Street
This former cinema, which started life as The Alexandra, and was later modernised to become Theatre One, is now painted in garish colours but appears to be unused. This cinema was famous for showing the more risque type films. 2017 update: The building is now demolished and student apartments are to be constructed.

The Astoria, 71 Albany Road, Earlsdon
This former cinema is in good condition and is now 'Nexus', a music academy.

The Brookville, 154 Holbrook Lane
This cinema is now a discount carpet store. This photograph taken in 2006 shows the original name still high on the front of the building.

The Carlton, 574 Stoney Stanton Road
This old cinema, which I cannot remember ever functioning as such, is now a home and furniture store. I was astonished it had survived since I remember it being derelict for many years. The cladding at the top conceals the original facade.

The Colosseum, Primrose Hill Street
This old cinema, originally called The Globe, is currently painted completely white and looks unused. It looks like the entrance has been modified to make it wheelchair accessible. I seem to remember it being the 'Orchid Ballroom' for a while. I cannot remember it ever being a cinema, but obviously it was. Since this photo was taken, it has been refurbished and is now called the Kasbah.

The Dovedale / Ritz, Longford Road at Windmill Road and Dovedale Ave.
This old cinema, formerly called The Rivoli, is now clad in an unsightly painted aluminium exterior. It is currently derelict and looks in a very sorry state. I will be suprised if it survives much longer. I remember at one time it used to show Indian films. 2013 update: there are plans to build housing on the site, but retaining the original facade.

The Gaumont, Jordan Well
This former cinema is now used by Coventry University. I can remember going to this cinema many times.

The Lyric, Holbrook Lane, Holbrooks
This former cinema, still in fine condition, is a Pound Centre shop. I went in this 'cinema' and bought a few items..

The Palladium, 11-12 King William Street, Hillfields
This former cinema which I remember at one time showed Indian films is now Stanley Annabelle Casino. The building has been refurbished since this photo was taken in 2005 and is now the Mint Casino.

The Paris, 150 Far Gosford Street
This former cinema is now Riley's Snooker and Pool Hall. The image shows the building after redecoration in 2006.

Prince of Wales, 369 Stoney Stanton Road
Near the junction with Red Lane, this former cinema became St. Finbarrs Social Club but in 2006 was displaying 'Sold' notices. June 2009 update: it was demolished in 2007 and an apartment block now occupies the site.

The Redesdale, 224 Foleshill Road
This classic art deco cinema, formerly named The Roxy, looks in fair condition and is now used as a Sikh Temple. I seem to remember in the 1970's it was St. Finbarrs Social Club for a while.

The Regal, 511 Foleshill Road
This former cinema, hardly recognisable as such, near Livingstone Road is now a cash and carry store. The picture was taken in 2006.

The Rialto, Moseley Avenue, Coundon
This building, looking in great condition, is currently Club Rialto with Bingo and a Tea Room. Apparently this is not the site of the original Rialto but amazingly a two screen cinema re-opened here in May 2006. However this has since closed and the premises are now for sale

The Savoy, 369 Radford Road
This building, dazzling white when photographed in 2006, is now a bingo hall.