The wind whips across Walney Channel, carrying with it the salty tang of the sea and the cries of gulls. Here in Barrow-in-Furness, a town forged in the fires of industry, a different kind of drama once unfolded. A drama of flickering lights, silver screens, and the magic of
moving pictures – all within the walls of the now-forgotten Coliseum Cinema.
Opened in 1914, the Coliseum rose like a phoenix from the ashes of the Hippodrome, a previous entertainment venue on the same site. Imagine the excitement as Barrovians, eager for a taste of Hollywood glamour, flocked to this brand-new picture palace. Did the air
buzz with anticipation? Did the gaslights illuminate eager faces as they queued for tickets? We can only imagine.
Sadly, details about the Coliseum are as elusive as a half-remembered dream. We know it offered a stage for live performances alongside its cinematic offerings, suggesting a desire to entertain the community with a variety of shows. Perhaps it hosted travelling theatre troupes,
vaudeville acts, or even local talent showcasing their skills.
The ownership of the Coliseum remains shrouded in mystery. Who were the impresarios who shaped its destiny? How did their vision influence the films shown and the atmosphere within? These questions linger, unanswered whispers from the past.
Like many cinemas across Britain, the Coliseum eventually succumbed to the rise of television and changing leisure habits. In 1977, the final curtain fell, leaving behind only echoes of laughter, applause, and the ghostly flicker of celluloid memories.
Do you recall the velvet seats, the scent of popcorn, or the thrill of watching a film on the big screen at the Coliseum? Perhaps you have a grandparent who trod the boards or ushered patrons to their seats. Every memory, every photograph, every anecdote is a precious piece
of Barrow’s cultural jigsaw.
Let’s bring the Coliseum back into the spotlight! Share your memories and help us piece together the story of this forgotten gem. You can contact me directly by emailing [info@furness-whisper.uk] or messaging the Furness Whispers Facebook page.