Date of closure: 4th October 2009
Address (for reference only):
Top Ten Bingo
Stars Lane
Yeovil
BA20 1NR
Yeovil’s Top Ten Bingo closed in 2009, another victim of the bingo blight that is sweeping across Britain’s halls. It is not clear whether the club was actually running at a loss, or whether owners Top Ten decided to get rid of in as part of ‘economic rationalisation’. One thing is certain though, it will be sadly missed by its members, especially the elderly ones.
Not much is known about the club’s history, although this is strange considering in its past life. The venue had been both a Gaumont cinema, and a Palace theatre. Usually a building with such pedigree is relatively easy to trace, but this one has obviously slipped the cinema and theatre enthusiast’s net. If you are an enthusiast who can help, please contact us, as we’d love to know about the building’s history.
By Gareth Whieldon (April 2012)
The Palace Theatre was owned by the Albany Ward Circuit. Taken over by Provincial Cinematograph Theatres, they too were later taken over by Gaumont in 02/29. Closed in 1933, it was demolished to make way for the present building. Opened 15/12/34 as the Gaumont Palace, the architect was W. E. Trent, assisted by Ernest F. Tulley, it had 1384 seats. The cinema was then taken over by Classic Cinemas 09/12/67 and renamed Classic as well. Closed as a cinema 11/11/72 in favour of bingo.