The state cinema in Gray’s, Essex is a grand 2 listed art deco cinema and theater built in the 1930s. seating 2200, was one of the largest cinemas in Essex. It cost approximately £100,000 to build, which in today’s money an estimated £3 million.
It opened on Monday 5th September 1938 wit the film ‘The Hurrican’. It remained open throw the second world war, eventually closing its doors in 1985.
In 1993 the state was opened once again but this time as Charlestons nightspot, an up market wine bar/night club. The lobby and the upstairs bars had some additional decoration put in place such as neon bar lights and an addional sound system, but the auditorium remained unchanged..
During this time there were concert evenings heeled in the auditorium. With artists such as Susie Quattro and David Essex performing.
Since then the building has remained untouched. In 2008 plains were submitted to turn part of the building in to shops and flats. But to date (2013) nothing has happened, apart from emergance repair work.
The State cinema has been used for various film work over the past 30 years. Probably the most famous film was the 1988 hit ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ staring Bob Hoskins.(Location mentioned on IMDB)
Then in 1998 it was also used in a promotional video for the movie Godzilla. As well as Jamiroquai’s ‘Deeper underground’ music video.
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