The Odeon cinema Blackpool opened in May 1939 and remains the largest Odeon ever built, with a seating capacity of 3088. It closed in 1998 and is now a drag club and restaurant called "Funny Girls" . Men in drag perform songs from musicals with dance routines. All the Art Deco features have been retained. (Thanks very much to C Gorst for this info)

See more info and comments on the Odeon Blackpool at cinematreasures.org

The Manchester Odeon closed in September 2004.

It's great that this magnificent Art Deco cinema has found a new use, and not as a pub or night club. The entrance hall exudes a luxurious atmosphere of the 1930's. Did the singer Paul Robeson perform here during his 1938 tour? Please contact if you can help.

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Keywords: North West England, Blackpool, cinemas, films, movies, art deco, New Lancashire