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The Pen*stone Cinema Organ Trust

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The Pen*stone Cinema Organ Trust

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19/05/2024

It’s 25 years ago that the Compton organ was being installed at the Pen*stone Paramount. Since the organ’s opening in April 2000, the instrument has been very reliable, however as the 25th Anniversary events approach next year, the organ is now showing signs that some major refurbishment work is required in order to maintain its fine reputation with visiting concert organists and audiences alike.

We are looking to raise around £55,000 to carry out the refurbishment programme and are thrilled to announce that this has been kick-started by a grant of £20,000 from the Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation. The Trust is extremely grateful to the Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation for supporting our project to make sure that the Paramount Compton - Yorkshire’s only cinema pipe organ to be found in an actual cinema can be experienced by audiences for many years to come.

The Pen*stone Cinema Organ Trust still need to raise around £35,000 in order to complete the work required and we will soon be announcing ways that you too can support the refurbishment programme by making a donation whether large or small, so that the Paramount Compton is in fine voice for its 25th Anniversary celebrations in 2025.

12/05/2024

Phil Kelsall put the Compton organ through its paces yesterday at the Pen*stone Paramount to the delight of the audience, who were treated to music from the 1950s & 60s, some great West End & Broadway favourites, as well as a selection of Eurovision winning songs, not to mention many Blackpool toe-tapping favourites.

08/05/2024

Come along to the Pen*stone Paramount this coming Saturday, when we welcome Phil Kelsall back to the console of the Compton organ for a music-packed afternoon, featuring many of your Blackpool Tower favourites.

Phil is certainly no stranger to the Paramount Compton and will be including the music of Cole Porter, a number of big band favourites, plus many hits from the 1950s, 60s & 70s, including the music of ABBA, to celebrate 50 years of them winning the Eurovision Song Contest.

Tickets are available on the door from 1.45pm or can be booked in advance using the link below. (No booking fees apply). For telephone bookings, please call 01226 767532.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=73690

29/04/2024

There’s not long to wait now before our next event at the Pen*stone Paramount.

On Saturday 11th May, we welcome back Phil Kelsall to the console of the Paramount Compton organ.

Please note that the Pen*stone Paramount have dispensed with booking fees, so the ticket price IS the ticket price. So book your tickets online or telephone the Box Office on 01226 767532 to book your seats for an afternoon of toe-tapping Blackpool favourites.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=73690

20/04/2024

Phil Kelsall - star organist at the world-famous Tower Ballroom, Blackpool returns to the console of the Paramount Compton Cinema Organ on Saturday 11th May at 2.30pm.

Having performed at the iconic Tower Ballroom, Blackpool (as seen on BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’) for over 45 years, Phil knows how to wow an audience with great music and superb showmanship, which clearly shows why he’s such a major part of the entertainment scene in Blackpool.

For over 40 years, Phil has starred in the magnificent Thursford Christmas Spectacular, entertaining audiences with his musical dexterity.

Only at the Pen*stone Paramount can you sit in a comfortable theatre seat, experiencing the thrilling sound of the mighty Compton organ, while viewing a close up of the keyboards on the big screen as the performance is happening.

Free car parking available in the public car park at the side of the Pen*stone Paramount and on-street parking bays.

Book your tickets online (no booking fees) by using the link below or telephone 01226 767532.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=73690

14/04/2024

It was good to see a sizeable audience again yesterday at the Pen*stone Paramount for our Organ & Big Band show - Swing, Swing, Swing. We were treated to some excellent music from Howard Beaumont on the Compton organ and the Take2 Big Band on stage, not to mention the wonderful vocal talents of Craig Williams, who featured a number of songs recorded by Michael Buble, much to the delight of the audience.

Howard, Craig & the band joined forces for the finale of the show, which had the audience joining in with a rousing arrangement of ‘New York, New York’ for the encore.

We welcomed a number of first-time visitors, who had travelled considerable distances to see the show and experience the Paramount Compton. They certainly weren’t disappointed and said they’d soon be coming back for more.

Here’s a selection of photographs showing what a great afternoon of musical entertainment it was.

10/04/2024

Join us this Saturday afternoon at the Pen*stone Paramount, when we swing into Spring with the Take2 Big Band and Howard Beaumont, together with Craig Williams.

Tickets available online now using the following link

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=84343

or on the door from 1.45pm

24/03/2024

Just before the Covid pandemic, our technical team commenced substantial refurbishment work to the console of the Paramount Compton installed at the Pen*stone Paramount. This work was completed towards the end of the pandemic and prior to our 21st Anniversary events in 2021.

Following the work done to the console, it became apparent that some major refurbishment work was becoming necessary to sections of the organ in the pipe chambers, located beneath the stage.

Earlier this year, some sections of the organ began to cause issues, so we took the decision to carry out a staggered refurbishment programme as and when funds permit work to be done.

Around six weeks ago, our technical team began the arduous task of removing the large (and heavy) bass pipes and their corresponding chests. Thanks to a carefully thought out plan and some hard work by the team, the bass sections were completely removed by the end of the first day.

The parts were then taken to our workshops, where they were totally stripped down to hundreds of component parts, thoroughly refurbished and reassembled, ready for reinstallation.

We took the opportunity to repaint the flaking paintwork in the bass pipe pit and lower back wall of the pipe chambers while all the large parts were removed, allowing access to areas that otherwise are fairly inaccessible when the organ is operational.

Having removed the basses from the pipe chamber and carried out their refurbishment now came the equally difficult task of reinstalling them, making sure that no damage occurred to the restored parts, or the team. This work was carried out in and around our other events and events taking place at the Pen*stone Paramount, which resulted in some very late nights followed by early mornings in order to have the organ playing again for the silent film event last Sunday.

Luckily, the reinstallation of the bass sections was completed and tested out just 24 hours before the silent film event….. otherwise it would have been a very silent film event.

Here’s a selection of photographs taken by Declan Poole & Kevin Grunill, showing just some of the work, ranging from the very heavy to very intricate jobs that needed to be done.

Huge thanks to everyone involved in making the first part of the refurbishment programme happen and run smoothly.

18/03/2024

A Paramount Performance.

The Pen*stone Paramount cinema was opened 110 years ago this year, back in the days when films were silent and accompanied by a pianist or small band of musicians. Although this cinema building never had a cinema pipe organ, the Pen*stone Cinema Organ Trust installed one 24 years ago from the Paramount/Odeon, Birmingham, which the building at Pen*stone changed its name in honour of.

On Sunday, the Pen*stone Paramount was taken back in time with an afternoon of pure nostalgia, when London’s West End theatre organist - Donald Mackenzie provided the musical accompaniment to not one but two silent films, featuring the legendary Buster Keaton. What a superb afternoon it was too, with the sizeable audience enjoying every second of it. Donald certainly showed he is an absolute master of his craft, with suitable musical accents in perfect synchronisation with the film, showing just as much musical humour as that on the silver screen itself.

The Compton organ has recently been having the first phase of essential refurbishment work carried out …. but more about that in a future post.

16/03/2024

This Sunday at the Pen*stone Paramount at 2.30pm.

Star organist from London’s West End - Donald Mackenzie performs the musical accompaniment to two Buster Keaton classic silent films on the mighty Compton cinema organ.

An experience not to be missed…. A classic cinema auditorium, superb Compton organ and one of the World’s finest exponents of the art of silent film accompaniment.

Tickets can be booked online via the Pen*stone Paramount box office using the link below.
https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=83181

01/03/2024

Today marks the 25th Anniversary of the signing of the agreement between Pen*stone Town Council and the Pen*stone Cinema Organ Trust to install the former Paramount/Odeon, Birmingham Compton cinema organ into the Pen*stone Paramount.

The Pen*stone Cinema Organ Trust was formed as part of this agreement with the founding committee members being Kevin Grunill (Chairman), Ronald Dickinson (Vice Chairman), Frank Wensley (Treasurer), Barry Metcalfe and Maureen Harrison (Chairman of Pen*stone Town Council’s Cinema Management Committee), with Barry & Georgina Grunill being Trustees.

We’ve marked the occasion by carrying out some essential maintenance within the organ chamber, while David Hall of F. Booth & Son (Voicers) Ltd of Leeds has been busy repairing cracked joints on some of the large metal bass pipes.

30/01/2024

Join us at the Pen*stone Paramount for an afternoon of pure nostalgia, when we take a trip back in time to the days of the silent film comedy. Donald Mackenzie - Organist at London’s famous Odeon, Leicester Square provides the musical accompaniment on the Paramount Compton cinema organ for a Buster Keaton double-bill.

Enjoy the unique experience of Yorkshire’s only cinema pipe organ in an actual cinema, as we transport you back in time over 90 years to encounter the greats of the silver screen.

Tickets are now available using the link below.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=83181

14/12/2023

We are pleased to announce our 2024 Spring programme. As you can see, we have a great line up of shows, with something to suit everyone.

Tickets are available from the Pen*stone Paramount Box Office or online via the link below.

https://www.pen*stoneparamount.co.uk/liveevents.php?cat=Live%20Event

We look forward to extending a warm welcome to you.

10/12/2023

We enjoyed a great show yesterday at the Pen*stone Paramount, when Andrew Nix & Thurlstone Brass Band performed a Compton Christmas Cracker… and what a cracker of a show it was too. Lots of seasonal music, merriment and mirth was the order of the day, with an audience of over 170 lapping up every second of it.

Many thanks to Andrew Nix and Thurlstone Brass Band for yet another wonderful afternoon of music but a huge thanks must go to all the members of the audience who supported the show. Without your support, none of what we do to preserve, promote and present the cinema organ would be possible - Thank you !

09/12/2023

This afternoon at the Pen*stone Paramount, we present a Compton Christmas Cracker, featuring Andrew Nix and Thurlstone Brass Band. There’ll be lots of music & merriment, so come along and kick-start the Christmas spirit, as we celebrate the music of the festive season….. and more besides.

21/11/2023

Not long to wait now until our ‘Compton Christmas Cracker’ show at the Pen*stone Paramount, featuring Andrew Nix and Thurlstone Brass Band on Saturday 9th December at 2.30pm.

We’re looking forward to an afternoon of music & mirth to get us into the festive spirit with lots of popular seasonal favourites.

Tickets are available on the day or in advance using the link below.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=65932

13/11/2023

We were treated to a superb afternoon’s musical entertainment on Saturday at the Pen*stone Paramount. Michael Wooldridge, Andy Eastwood & Maggie O’Hara thoroughly entertained the audience of almost 200 with music, songs and laughter. A great afternoon of musical nostalgia.

Photos: Declan Poole.

09/11/2023

Look what’s been featured in the Yorkshire Post this week.

Come along and experience the mighty Compton cinema organ this coming Saturday at our ‘Spirit of the Blitz’ show.

08/11/2023

Did you know…..?

The famous entertainer - George Formby first used a ukulele in his act at the Alhambra Theatre, Barnsley.

This coming Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm, the music of George Formby returns to the Barnsley area, when the fabulous 1940s tribute show - Spirit of the Blitz is presented at the Pen*stone Paramount. Ukulele virtuoso - Andy Eastwood will be paying his tribute to George Formby, using Formby’s own famous ukulele. Joining Andy will be Maggie O’Hara, featuring the songs of Dame Vera Lynn and ‘maestro of music’ - Michael Wooldridge at the console of the magnificent Paramount Compton Cinema Organ.

An afternoon of pure nostalgia from the war years for Remembrance Day.

Tickets available online using the link below.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=74285

06/11/2023

There’s not long to wait now until our special ‘Spirit of the Blitz’ show at the Pen*stone Paramount this coming Saturday at 2.30pm. Join us on Remembrance Day itself to celebrate the great music of the 1940s with ukulele virtuoso - Andy Eastwood, memories of Dame Vera Lynn with Maggie O’Hara and not forgetting the maestro of music - Michael Wooldridge at the mighty Paramount Compton Cinema Organ.

A fabulous afternoon of pure nostalgia not to be missed.

Tickets can be purchased online via the link below or on the door on the day from 1.45pm.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=74285

28/10/2023

Come along and commemorate Remembrance Day with us at the Pen*stone Paramount on Saturday 11th November at 2.30pm, as we present ‘Spirit of the Blitz’.

This variety show includes many of the well-known melodies that helped win the war and kept up the nation’s morale during those dark troubled times.

We pay tribute to the great stars of the past with Andy Eastwood’s memories of George Formby, including one George’s own ukuleles. Maggie O’ Hara will be performing the songs of Dame Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields and the ‘Maestro of Music’ - Michael Wooldridge will be accompanying the whole show, as well as featuring the mighty Compton Cinema Organ in all its glory.

Wallow in pure nostalgia in one of Yorkshire’s oldest traditional cinema theatres still in regular use - The Pen*stone Paramount. The sumptuous red velvet seats await your presence as we commemorate ‘The Spirit of the Blitz’ in memory of all those that served our nation to protect the freedom we enjoy today.

Tickets can be purchased online using the link below or from the Box Office on the day from 1.45pm.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=74285

24/10/2023

It was great to welcome an audience of almost 200 to the Pen*stone Paramount last Sunday for the special centenary screening of the classic silent film - “The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.

The audience were spellbound by the musical accompaniment that Donald Mackenzie provided on the Paramount Compton organ and it was clear for all to see and hear why he is the Resident Organist at London’s prestigious Odeon, Leicester Square, where he has performed for many royal film premiers held there over the past number of decades. The standing ovation and rapturous applause given at the end of the film said it all.

Some members of the audience were experiencing the Compton organ for the first time and there were lots of interest shown in the organ, resulting in many questions being asked about it.

The Pen*stone Paramount is the only working cinema in the whole of Yorkshire to contain a real cinema pipe organ and the silent films are one of the many events that feature this wonderful instrument.

16/10/2023

This coming Sunday at the Pen*stone Paramount at 2.30pm, we commemorate the centenary of the silent film classic - The Hunchback of Notre Dame, featuring the legendary Lon Chaney.

This special centenary screening is extra special, as we present none other than Donald Mackenzie - Resident Organist at the Odeon, Leicester Square in the heart of London’s West End to perform the live musical accompaniment on the mighty Paramount Compton cinema organ.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to witness an afternoon of cinema history, featuring Yorkshire’s only cinema pipe organ in an actual cinema.

Tickets can be purchased via the Pen*stone Paramount website using the following link or on the door on the day.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=72833

15/10/2023

We were highly entertained on Saturday afternoon at the Pen*stone Paramount, when Howard Beaumont & Jean Martyn performed an excellent concert featuring the Paramount Compton cinema organ and grand piano.
Both organists were on fine form individually and excelled themselves during a number of specially arranged duets.

The choice of music was a wide-ranging selection from Bach to The Beatles and Ed Sheeran, which delighted the audience.

Here’s just a few photographs from a memorable afternoon.

13/10/2023

We’re looking forward to some great forthcoming events featuring the Compton organ at the Pen*stone Paramount.

This Saturday at 2.30pm, we present a musical double-bill, when Howard Beaumont & Jean Martyn Music will be presenting a concert of music for all, including a number of duet items specially prepared for this show.

On Sunday 22nd October at 2.30pm we welcome back Donald MacKenzie - Resident Organist at London’s Odeon, Leicester Square to perform the musical accompaniment to the classic silent film ”The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the Paramount Compton in the hands of a real master of the art of silent film accompaniment.

Join us on Saturday 11th November at 2.30pm for our special variety show, based around the music of the war years. This Armistice Day show features Andy Eastwood with his tribute to George Formby, the golden voice of Maggie O’Hara with memories of Gracie Fields & Vera Lynne and not forgetting the maestro of music - Michael Wooldridge performing the musical accompaniment to the show, as well as his own musical magic on the mighty Compton cinema organ.

We conclude our 2023 concert season at the Pen*stone Paramount on Saturday 9th December at 2.30pm with our ‘Compton Christmas Cracker’, featuring the music and mirth of Andrew Nix, together with the award-winning Thurlstone Brass Band.

Tickets can be purchased via the Pen*stone Paramount website or on the door from 1.45pm.

https://www.pen*stoneparamount.co.uk/liveevents.php?cat=Live%20Event

12/10/2023

Facebook has removed all our posts informing you of our forthcoming (and past events). We are a small volunteer group that preserves and presents events featuring the Cinema Organ. Why this seems to contravene Facebooks security policy, we have no idea but for those of you interested, we have an upcoming event.

This Saturday at 2.30pm, our next event at the Pen*stone Paramount takes place featuring Howard Beaumont & Jean Martyn.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear two of the UK’s most popular keyboard entertainers, performing on the mighty Compton cinema organ, including a number of organ and piano duets specifically arranged for this show.

Tickets are available on the door or online using the link below.

There’s just a week to go before our next event at the Pen*stone Paramount takes place. Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear two of the UK’s most popular keyboard entertainers, performing on the mighty Compton cinema organ, including a number of organ and piano duets specifically arranged for this show.

Tickets are available on the door or online using the link below.

https://www.pen*stoneparamount.co.uk/index.php?dIndex=2

06/10/2023

There’s just a week to go before our next event at the Pen*stone Paramount takes place. Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear two of the UK’s most popular keyboard entertainers - Howard Beaumont & Jean Martyn Music, performing on the mighty Compton cinema organ, including a number of organ & piano duets specifically arranged for this show.

Tickets are available on the door or online using the link below.

https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=73689

01/10/2023

We are currently carrying out some essential maintenance on the Compton organ at the Pen*stone Paramount, in readiness for the forthcoming series of concerts and shows.

One of the jobs currently being undertaken is to stop the Strings & Flute Tremulant from banging when in operation. This work needed the tremulant to be completely removed from the chamber for work to take place in the workshop. In order to remove the large tremulant, it necessitated the removal of the Tuba/Diapason tremulant too, so the decision was taken to rectify a small wind leak on this unit at the same time.

Upon dismantling the large tremulant, it became clear what the issue was. The leather on the hinge of the large pallet valve had failed, causing the pallet to ‘clap’ against the opening, thus causing the unwanted noise when in operation. The old leather on the valve will be stripped off and new leather & felt applied.

Other work will also be carried out while the tremulant is in the workshop but a major restoration of this unit isn’t required at this moment in time, so it should be good for a few more years yet, once this remedial work is completed.

This tremulant hasn’t been restored since we got the organ but it looks like some work was done prior to our ownership. The inside of the tremulant was filthy and is in the process of being thoroughly cleaned and new leather gaskets fitted.

19/05/2023

Earlier today, we paid our last respects and said a fond farewell to our former Secretary and long-serving volunteer, Raymond Ramskill, who sadly passed away over the Easter weekend.
Ray was well-known to those who attended events, often to be found selling raffle tickets or socialising with members of the audience. It was during the early stages of the installation of the Compton at the Pen*stone Paramount that Ray became involved as a volunteer and was part of the team that built the Astoria Centre in Barnsley.
His dry wit and casual remarks often resulted in laughter and he was the recipient of many bouts of ‘leg-pulling’ over the years but always reacted in a humorous way.
Ray, you’ll be missed !

14/05/2023

We enjoyed a varied selection of music yesterday from Phil Kelsall at the Compton organ at the Pen*stone Paramount. It was lovely to see quite a number making their first visit to hear the Compton, along with many of our loyal and regular supporters.

The Compton was certainly put through its paces and Phil explored the many sounds that the instrument can create, including a number of familiar sounds heard at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool.

The next organ show at the Pen*stone Paramount is on the 14th October, when Howard Beaumont & Jean Martyn will be performing solo items & duets.

Address

Pen*stone Paramount
Pen*stone
S751JT

Website

http://www.penistone-compton.co.uk/

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Videos

We are looking forward to our next presentation at the Pen*stone Paramount on Saturday 8th October, featuring Simon Gledhill. Tickets can be booked in advance using the following link. https://pen*stone.admit-one.eu/?p=tickets&perfCode=5333

Here's a short clip of the Compton Organ at The Astoria Centre, Barnsley. This piece was requested to be be played at one of our recent Open Days. The Compton Organ is played regularly every Wednesday afternoon 1pm-4pm and for other occasional special events. Treat yourself to an hour or two playing the mighty Compton organ for yourself. The Compton can be booked for private practise on an occasional or regular basis. Please 'like & share' our posts and help to spread the word about this great theatre organ venue, within a few miles of junction 37 of the M1 motorway.

Feel free to share this video clip, promoting our next presentation at the Astoria Centre, Barnsley. Courtesy of Declan Poole.

Here's a sneak preview of the sound of our Compton French Horn at The Astoria Centre at Barnsley. This quite rare rank is now singing away merrily, thanks to the great work done by Kelvin Kent. Tickets for our Grand Opening Concert at 7.00pm on Saturday 12th March are still available, along with tickets for our Afternoon Tea Open Day on Sunday 13th March at 12.30pm. Telephone 07944 566972 to book your ticket today.