Great explore, Donny Lad. Wasn’t this the Cannon Cinema sometime like the 1980s price £1 a film? Here’s a piece of formidable architecture. What nincompoops are trying to rip it down instead of using the frame to create a renovated Donny social centre? Vive la Donny!
Brought back fond memories, so thanks. Can remember watching some great films in the 80's there (E.T., Ghostbusters, Superman 2, Backdraft, Robin Hood), if my memory serves me correctly, the cinema screen you entered around 9.02 on the video, was the smallest screen in the building. I think the big screen, had two aisles to walk down and before the film started, there were always two members of staff selling sweets, popcorn, ice-cream at the end of each aisle. I can also remember coming down the stairs after a film had finished, and because it was so bright outside, it took you a few seconds to adjust your eyes to the light.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane 😊 I recall seeing 'Abba The Movie' there and on another occasion a double bill of 'The Car' & 'Day of The Animals'. That day I had gobbled my Sunday lunch then run for a bus to get to the cinema. About 20 mins into the second billing I didnt make it to the toilets and vomited all down the stairs in the large screening room 😮😢😢 My apologies to anyone who's enjoyment of the film was spoiled by the stench of vomit through that second film 😂😂😂
this was the cinema that shaped me when growing up, it was the first one i ever attended with my older brother in 1978. films such as Superman the movie 1978 and Star Trek the Motion Picture are the two that stick in my memory. it originally was one screen that seated over 1200 people, it was astounding as i witnessed it as a child in 1978. it was split in to 3 screens in early 80's. it was in my mind the best cinema, Gaumont was good but this had the edge. thankyou for making this film and invoking the memories of my childhood.
Great tour of the old ABC Doncaster so sad these buildings just left to rot! I was a Cinema Projectionist in the 70s and 80s - showed STAR WARS for 8 Weeks! in 1977 re the BIG Screen you saw in close up and mentioned a mesh cover - That was the actual screen you could see just like a massive teabag perforated for the Sound from the film to pass through and in amazing condition, all very sad will eventually all be demolished the poor old pigeons will have to move house! Times Gone By just memories thanks for filming - Stay Safe!
It’s still in quite good nick considering. I saw A Clockwork Orange there and The Exorcist in the early ‘70s , when it was just one screen. I remember queuing up for the opening of the doors. Sometimes going in the Shady Nook café adjoining the cinema. It later became the Parthenon. Shame that this building has been neglected for so long.Of course everything has to be out of town now , cinema complexes , bowling alleys , Ben & Jerry’s etc etc. The American Way. Sad sad sad. Crawling to the USA. Anyway, off topic there. Great footage and thanks very much for the upload. Keep up the good work.
The ABC cinema started life as a single screen cinema then was divided into 3 which i believe you went in all 3 but maybe without realising it. Another great video 🙂👍
I remember being in the queue for King Kong (1976), it stretching all the way around Waterdale... and then seeing the film in that packed single screen... they don't make cinemas like the ABC any more, as the new one attests.
The cinema was originally a single screen seating just under 1300 seats. In the early 80s the cinema was split into three screens with Screen 1 seating 477, Screen 2 201 and Screen 3 135.
God damm I have very vivid memories of the old cinema in Barnsley around that year and it looked so similar to what Barnsley’s used to look like before it was renovated and updated also your urban exploring etiquette is absolutely second to none mate, you get a follow from me 👍
Went to see Dr Zhivago the first week it was on. When the curtains opened and the sound kicked in............... awesome!!! I always thought this would have been a great place for concerts after it closed as a cinema, an opportunity lost methinks. There was a 'false' floor put in above the 'main' screen and two smaller screens installed, I think that happened in a lot a cinema's around that time. Even the small cinema in Cromer (we moved down here 20 years ago) has had that done with the result that the 'upstairs' screens only seat a couple of dozen people and it's really weird sometimes seeing popular films either with just a couple of others and, sometimes, even just us two! Keep up the good work DE............
Thanks for this! Very nostalgic. I remember my dad taking me to see Jaws there... terrifying and amazing. I remember my friends and I all coming down those exit stairs outside (which are all boarded) up thinking we were superman! Wasn't there a carpet shop there? Going to the pictures was a real treat. I remember people lining up around the corner. Also remember the odd horror film title displayed on the billboard outside...wondering what those films were like (as a kid). So much a part of my childhood! I love Donny and I miss it. Had to move away for work and a new life in the nineties as my luck was out at that time, but my family are still there (Balby). To be honest I miss those times. Thanks so much for the video which brought back fond memories.
Absolute pleasure pal. I was also once a balby lad. I grew up just around the corner from where open all hours was filmed. Fond memories of David Jason riding past the house on his shop bike. The eighties was a brilliant time to be a kid 👍
Wow what a treat made my day. The two rooms he went to in the beginning with the wooden shelves, Are infact lead acid battery rooms. These would’ve provided backup power in the event of a mains failure
This was a single screen but was converted to three as many were in the seventies. My Dad took me to see 'Jaws' there when I was underage, I've been scarred ever since 😊😊
I've done a few in Doncaster. Danum School was the most recent. I am always on the look out for home town explores. Definitely my favourite one's to do 👍
Really nostalgic seeing it again I’ve wanted to explore it for years - used to have a great atmosphere. Did I imagine it or was there a bar and seating area through some double doors - opposite the ice cream bit on the first floor ? I was always too young to go in but I couldn’t see it on the video. Great stuff thankyou
Great work. Ive seen countless movies at this cinema, we used to call it the Cannon cinema. I remember you could park your car round the back of the cinema too. We would buy our sweets from the offy and sneak them in. My most memorable film here was the Exorcist. We'd also walk up the road to the Gaumont cinema and prise the fire door open at the back of the building, sneak in and watch free movies...Platoon, Crocodile Dundee, and many more 😂 ...oh to be young adventurous and carefree again, just for a day x
Fantastic Vlog, I have really missed this cinema since it closed in the 90s. It was originally just one screen that could seat over a thousand people. In the early 80s it was refurbished to add two more screen's and reducing screen 1 to about 800 seats. It was the first cinema I ever attended in 1979 to see Superman the movie with Christopher Reeve and Star Trek The Motion Picture. The last was a Steven Segal film in 90s called Marked for death. Thank you for the memories, well done. They had the best westlers hot dogs and lots of fond times with my late brother. Once again, thank you 👏👏👏
You're very welcome pal and thank you for commenting with some cool information 👍 If any of my little adventures can bring back happy memories to people then I can't ask for anymore. All the best and thanks for stopping by
Wow! I worked here as an usher in 1989 I think! The Burbs were on, so was the first Batman film and we collected tickets stubs from cinema goers and showed people to their seats with torches.
Absolutely brilliant. Great trip down memory lane. I came here to watch Masters Of The Universe in 1987. Always wanted to get in here and have an explore. Thank you.
Yaaaaaay you got in buzzing least i get to see inside again i remember watching ghost buster in there 🤣 thanks for the shout out wasn't expecting that fab explore lmao qt them pigeons glad you went and not me now ha
They had the UK premiere here of Dr Zhivago in 1967 here on its opening night. It was a full 70 mm wide screen with 6 twin track stereo audio system. I saw Led Zeppelin's Song Remains the Same 6 times there. It was like being at the gig !! Such a shame when it was split into multiscreen
Quite sad in a way. To think there used to be movies and life there. First dates, fun and a constant stream of people…now just an old abandoned derelict building.
Last movie I saw was Madonna's who's that girl, I danced across the stage to Tina turners, what's love got to do with it. Only me and my bestie Joanna in at the beginning. Had my first cigarette in the Stella mirrored room (naughty) saw lots of movies as it was close to the bus station and a £1 a seat. Didn't know it was closing till arrived one day and it was shut. Such a shame. Great Explore thank you for the memories.
Fond memories of this once flagship cinema for Doncaster. You've gotten in just in time. A demolition crew from Preston have already evaluated the site for demolition. Don't know when but soon. Delayed only by the 2020 Pandemic.
This was built as a single screen. Converted to a multi screen much later. I recall seeing The Godfather, Jaws, Superman. The original ABC was over on Hight Street, that became a Bingo hall.
As part of the revamp of the town centre and Waterdale the council want the ABC to become a retail outlet surrounded by a new open plan green space with pop up units and nightlife area.
Steveh! You a donny lad too, eh? I was born and raised there, but left in my early 20s. I actually used to work behind this cinema in the waterdale. I worked at a butcher's shop there. I have no idea if it's still there. It has been a long time since I've been back.👍
@@TheRetroManRandySavage most of Waterdale is now rubble has been for about 4 years only parts left are library which is being demolished soon and the units up to cleveland street and flats above.
@@steveh31 what a shame. That place was thriving when I was working at the butcher's in the mid to late 90s. I remember there was a fruit n veg shop next to us and supermarket in the shop opposite. We were pretty close to the cafe and bus station. I actually heard that the bus station isn't in use anymore. That's a shame too.
The bus station closed in 2005 and is a car park now, the interchange is actually very nice (apart from the arches under North Bridge) it is a shame they put it in the wrong place.
@@roncurry3626 Thanks for the information 👍 Brilliant. Might be worth popping round during the week and try catch one of the builders. I'm sure they wouldn't mind letting you have them. Like you say will most probably end up in a skip which is a shame if you can make use of them.
Ahhh thanks man I appreciate it 👍 we have chatted a few times in Mike's premieres. But I'm usually signed in on our collab account. We will be ordering some hoodies from you soon 👍
Grand 2 Listed buildings mean nothing to Doncaster Council. I can remember when on a Sunday morning Doncaster Council knocked down a Grade 2 Listed Building in the 90s to build that new Job Centre.
Great memories I knew exactly where you were the whole time spent a lot of my childhood hanging around the ABC just keeping my grandad company who was an usher there for years watched loads of free movies 100s in fact and used to explore like you did in the school hols Brilliant work will share with my kids
Many a happy memory going there. Why don’t the council spend some time and money and restore this instead of ploughing all that money into a new cinema?!
Lovin the old nuclear fallout siren on the roof at 26:38. Would've been the main one for the town centre. Would be cool to get that thing fired up. Everyone would crap themselves 😂
I remember being in there went to c many films and grease I remember then again later when they made it onto smaller screens I remember when it was one massive screen in 1978 watching grease it was biggest screen I had ever seen , also remember£1 a film IV all ways wanted to c inside wish u had stayed in screens longer there too quick can u go back.
I remember waiting in line to see ABBA the film . We lined up right round to the bus station. There was a greek themed cafe next door, where we used to go for a cuppa before going into the cinema. I didn’t realise it was still in a reasonable condition inside. Shame something cannot be done to restore it. It’s ironic that they have just built a new cinema, The Savoy, just around the corner.
A mate of mines son was on security there and had the keys so he let us in, that was about 10 years ago and not a pigeon in site lol nice to see inside again 🙂 I also used to be an ABC MINOR on a saturday morning, anyone remember that ?
I felt like the homeless lady from home alone two In there 😄🤣 Thanks for stopping by 👍 I haven't forgotten about that cuppa either the next time I'm exploring round your way 👍 😉
The fact that this has been lying empty for 30 years now is *disgraceful!* The local Doncaster council should be ashamed. I would *actually* places like this that are never going to be used again in their original state be demolished and then either turn into affordable housing/new leisure complex or just empty land then just left to rot.
Star Trek the movie here - can’t believe so much of the interior is still in place. Having come back to Donny I’m saddened how much of town has been run down or taken over by the same kind of shops. Maybe as part of the new civic quarter they ought to turn ABC into another theatre and really push to make people want to travel in bring something back to the town. Very sad
Well that’s a blast from the past. It did used to be 1 big screen, as I remember, we used to come Saturday to the ABC minors club, who remembers that?. But of an eyesore now I’m afraid, like rest of waterdale, awful town planning for the 60’s, tragically ruined Doncaster..
Was it that obvious I couldn't find my way out 😅😆😂 hope you are well big lad.... Absolute shame about Handcock 😄🤣😂😆 gutted for her husband. All the blokes to cheat with she picks that cretin
@@DonkeyDave269 hmmmm that and many other things wrong with her 🤣🤣🤣 Made my fucking day anyway! I could imagine his wife throwing the wedding plates at the cheating little twat bag. Hopefully see the little prick sat outside a B&M now hes been sacked
@@theurbandon5902 Definitely a single when I saw Towering Inferno, King Kong. The screen was something else in 70mm Cinemascope (especially to a five year old). I've got many memories, going as I did about five times a week once they put it to £1. The Gaumont/Odeon was rubbish by comparison. A couple of years ago I asked Mayor Ros about banging some money into ABC's restoration but she told me many had enquired, and all had agreed in the end... better to build one from the ground up. As you've seen, it's a mess in there - and I'd go get your lungs checked! At least the council did make some effort to incorporate the beautiful art-deco facade of the Gaumont into the new one (thankfully my mate Cllr Nidge made sure they kept it in storage).
@@telsutton My old man told me before I went in that it was a single screen. I also used to discuss old Doncaster with Gordon Galimore before he past away. Always a fascinating natter with Gordon! Thank you for taking the time to ad some more information. Really appreciate it pal 👍
@@telsutton See if you can get him to do anything with "The Lovers" statue if he's your mate. Hate where they've put it now (on top of a shelter in Waterdale), nobody looks at it when walking by, it's open to all the elements and it's deterioating badly. I still think it should go back in it's original home, near boots inside Frenchgate (previously known as The Arndale). It might have to go nearer the entrance because of the escalators that weren't there before, but it would look great as you go in. I seem to remember it being in some sort of moat with seating round it, like a water feature, correct me if I'm wrong.
Great explore, Donny Lad. Wasn’t this the Cannon Cinema sometime like the 1980s price £1 a film? Here’s a piece of formidable architecture. What nincompoops are trying to rip it down instead of using the frame to create a renovated Donny social centre? Vive la Donny!
I believe it was a cannon prior to closing. I always new it as the ABC because I am very very old 😄
Yeah so i am lol i'm 57 and can see where you are coming from and keep up there really good work as i enjoy ir so much 🙂
@@5kull571 thanks man , positive feedback makes it all the more worthwhile 👍👍
Yes, from 1986, it was £1. I was at Donny College and went every day. I saw Withnail and I twice in one afternoon. Ditto Manhunter.
Can’t believe how well the interior has done after 30 years shut up
Brought back fond memories, so thanks. Can remember watching some great films in the 80's there (E.T., Ghostbusters, Superman 2, Backdraft, Robin Hood), if my memory serves me correctly, the cinema screen you entered around 9.02 on the video, was the smallest screen in the building. I think the big screen, had two aisles to walk down and before the film started, there were always two members of staff selling sweets, popcorn, ice-cream at the end of each aisle. I can also remember coming down the stairs after a film had finished, and because it was so bright outside, it took you a few seconds to adjust your eyes to the light.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane 😊 I recall seeing 'Abba The Movie' there and on another occasion a double bill of 'The Car' & 'Day of The Animals'. That day I had gobbled my Sunday lunch then run for a bus to get to the cinema. About 20 mins into the second billing I didnt make it to the toilets and vomited all down the stairs in the large screening room 😮😢😢 My apologies to anyone who's enjoyment of the film was spoiled by the stench of vomit through that second film 😂😂😂
this was the cinema that shaped me when growing up, it was the first one i ever attended with my older brother in 1978. films such as Superman the movie 1978 and Star Trek the Motion Picture are the two that stick in my memory. it originally was one screen that seated over 1200 people, it was astounding as i witnessed it as a child in 1978. it was split in to 3 screens in early 80's. it was in my mind the best cinema, Gaumont was good but this had the edge. thankyou for making this film and invoking the memories of my childhood.
Thanks for this video. I grew up in Donny and saw so many films here in the 80s
Great tour of the old ABC Doncaster so sad these buildings just left to rot! I was a Cinema Projectionist in the 70s and 80s - showed STAR WARS for 8 Weeks! in 1977 re the BIG Screen you saw in close up and mentioned a mesh cover - That was the actual screen you could see just like a massive teabag perforated for the Sound from the film to pass through and in amazing condition, all very sad will eventually all be demolished the poor old pigeons will have to move house! Times Gone By just memories thanks for filming - Stay Safe!
Thank you sir for showing us some absolute classic movies 👍 must have been a cool little job that 😁
Thank you enjoyed at least one of those Star war movies:) Very sad to see so much of the town decaying before our eyes
It’s still in quite good nick considering. I saw A Clockwork Orange there and The Exorcist in the early ‘70s , when it was just one screen. I remember queuing up for the opening of the doors. Sometimes going in the Shady Nook café adjoining the cinema. It later became the Parthenon. Shame that this building has been neglected for so long.Of course everything has to be out of town now , cinema complexes , bowling alleys , Ben & Jerry’s etc etc. The American Way. Sad sad sad. Crawling to the USA. Anyway, off topic there. Great footage and thanks very much for the upload. Keep up the good work.
Another great place that's going to end up as dust. Good video and nicely captured m8. 👍
Cheers pal 👍hope all is well with you mate 👍
According to the high streets fund for Waterdale ABC is to be turned into a retail unit.and won't be demolished
The ABC cinema started life as a single screen cinema then was divided into 3 which i believe you went in all 3 but maybe without realising it. Another great video 🙂👍
I remember being in the queue for King Kong (1976), it stretching all the way around Waterdale... and then seeing the film in that packed single screen... they don't make cinemas like the ABC any more, as the new one attests.
I used to go to Saturday Morning kids club in the late 1970s here at the ABC. Great stuff. Loved it.
Went a few times to those. There was a film, the double deckers and other great kids entertainment
The cinema was originally a single screen seating just under 1300 seats. In the early 80s the cinema was split into three screens with Screen 1 seating 477, Screen 2 201 and Screen 3 135.
God damm I have very vivid memories of the old cinema in Barnsley around that year and it looked so similar to what Barnsley’s used to look like before it was renovated and updated also your urban exploring etiquette is absolutely second to none mate, you get a follow from me 👍
Thanks man 👍 I'm glad that you are enjoying the videos. I'm Always on the right side of the law. I haven't got time for vandals and thieves
Went to see Dr Zhivago the first week it was on. When the curtains opened and the sound kicked in............... awesome!!! I always thought this would have been a great place for concerts after it closed as a cinema, an opportunity lost methinks. There was a 'false' floor put in above the 'main' screen and two smaller screens installed, I think that happened in a lot a cinema's around that time. Even the small cinema in Cromer (we moved down here 20 years ago) has had that done with the result that the 'upstairs' screens only seat a couple of dozen people and it's really weird sometimes seeing popular films either with just a couple of others and, sometimes, even just us two! Keep up the good work DE............
Brilliant film
Thanks for this! Very nostalgic. I remember my dad taking me to see Jaws there... terrifying and amazing. I remember my friends and I all coming down those exit stairs outside (which are all boarded) up thinking we were superman! Wasn't there a carpet shop there? Going to the pictures was a real treat. I remember people lining up around the corner. Also remember the odd horror film title displayed on the billboard outside...wondering what those films were like (as a kid). So much a part of my childhood! I love Donny and I miss it. Had to move away for work and a new life in the nineties as my luck was out at that time, but my family are still there (Balby). To be honest I miss those times. Thanks so much for the video which brought back fond memories.
Absolute pleasure pal. I was also once a balby lad. I grew up just around the corner from where open all hours was filmed. Fond memories of David Jason riding past the house on his shop bike. The eighties was a brilliant time to be a kid 👍
Fond memories of visiting there as a kid. Think I saw James Bond, View to A Kill back in the day!
Wow what a treat made my day. The two rooms he went to in the beginning with the wooden shelves, Are infact lead acid battery rooms. These would’ve provided backup power in the event of a mains failure
Great video and channel man! Came over from Naomis Adventures! Keep up the great work and stay awesome brother
Always wondered what it was like in there! I don't remember it ever being open so I don't think I ever actually went there as a kid before it closed.
belter Donny well like that pal, great music also
Cheers Sir Richard 👍 hope you are well pal
This was a single screen but was converted to three as many were in the seventies. My Dad took me to see 'Jaws' there when I was underage, I've been scarred ever since 😊😊
That definitely brought back some fond memories thanks for the video plz keep them coming more of old Doncaster buildings would be amazing
I've done a few in Doncaster. Danum School was the most recent. I am always on the look out for home town explores. Definitely my favourite one's to do 👍
Really nostalgic seeing it again I’ve wanted to explore it for years - used to have a great atmosphere. Did I imagine it or was there a bar and seating area through some double doors - opposite the ice cream bit on the first floor ? I was always too young to go in but I couldn’t see it on the video. Great stuff thankyou
No your thinking of the Odeon on the main screen
Great work.
Ive seen countless movies at this cinema, we used to call it the Cannon cinema. I remember you could park your car round the back of the cinema too.
We would buy our sweets from the offy and sneak them in. My most memorable film here was the Exorcist.
We'd also walk up the road to the Gaumont cinema and prise the fire door open at the back of the building, sneak in and watch free movies...Platoon, Crocodile Dundee, and many more 😂
...oh to be young adventurous and carefree again, just for a day x
That was brill but really sad. I've seen loads of films at the ABC and its just another sad reminder of the shit hole Doncaster has become.
Fantastic Vlog, I have really missed this cinema since it closed in the 90s. It was originally just one screen that could seat over a thousand people. In the early 80s it was refurbished to add two more screen's and reducing screen 1 to about 800 seats. It was the first cinema I ever attended in 1979 to see Superman the movie with Christopher Reeve and Star Trek The Motion Picture. The last was a Steven Segal film in 90s called Marked for death. Thank you for the memories, well done. They had the best westlers hot dogs and lots of fond times with my late brother. Once again, thank you 👏👏👏
You're very welcome pal and thank you for commenting with some cool information 👍 If any of my little adventures can bring back happy memories to people then I can't ask for anymore. All the best and thanks for stopping by
Wow! I worked here as an usher in 1989 I think! The Burbs were on, so was the first Batman film and we collected tickets stubs from cinema goers and showed people to their seats with torches.
My grandad was an usher here for years I got in to all the movies free during the 70s and 80s he passed away in 1993
14:10 "without breaking me flipping neck"!
*SO BRITISH, HILARIOUS*
Hahaha 🤣🤣 💌💌 from USA
had many happy years in there as a kid. Have looked at doing this myself there but never found an access point so well done
Absolutely brilliant. Great trip down memory lane. I came here to watch Masters Of The Universe in 1987. Always wanted to get in here and have an explore. Thank you.
All the decay I see is natural. Amazing how nature can still touch an almost sealed building.
Yaaaaaay you got in buzzing least i get to see inside again i remember watching ghost buster in there 🤣 thanks for the shout out wasn't expecting that fab explore lmao qt them pigeons glad you went and not me now ha
Donny is the man 👊🏻👍🏻
@@abandonedexploringmike ov course that why i sent him it as soon as my son noticed ha
@@Exploringwithspookyshazzeey cheers our shazzeey lass 👍
No danger lol you be the 1st as soon as more come you be the only 1 I share with ha 😉
@@Exploringwithspookyshazzeey your a diamond 💎 cheers dear 😘
They had the UK premiere here of Dr Zhivago in 1967 here on its opening night. It was a full 70 mm wide screen with 6 twin track stereo audio system. I saw Led Zeppelin's Song Remains the Same 6 times there. It was like being at the gig !! Such a shame when it was split into multiscreen
i am so supersized how clean the building is apart from the bird mess standing empty for so long would of thought it would of been trashed
Quality video donny karma on the pigeons lol also epic photos mate
Cheers our kid 👍 ❤
Great Video... The screen you found is perforated so as to let the audio through from the speakers that would have sat directly behind it...
Cheers pal 👍
Very well done! I enjoyed this video. I can't believe that pigeon in the beginning crashed through the window. This is pigeon central.
Crazy in there lol hope all is well in Nevada 👍
Quite sad in a way. To think there used to be movies and life there. First dates, fun and a constant stream of people…now just an old abandoned derelict building.
Great video, used to be a lovely cinema, but fascinating to see it as it is now. 👍
This was brilliant, Remember watching Dance Craze here & people were dancing in the aisles. Happy memories
Last movie I saw was Madonna's who's that girl, I danced across the stage to Tina turners, what's love got to do with it. Only me and my bestie Joanna in at the beginning. Had my first cigarette in the Stella mirrored room (naughty) saw lots of movies as it was close to the bus station and a £1 a seat. Didn't know it was closing till arrived one day and it was shut. Such a shame. Great Explore thank you for the memories.
Something needs doing with that building... Live music venue for donny ..... Such a pity to just let it rott
Good idea! And St James's would make a great little casino 🎰
Great video. That pigeon would've freaked me out.
Haha it was a bit wild in there for sure
That place looks great! I need to find more places like that
Fond memories of this once flagship cinema for Doncaster. You've gotten in just in time. A demolition crew from Preston have already evaluated the site for demolition. Don't know when but soon. Delayed only by the 2020 Pandemic.
It's definitely on borrowed time. The council are on mission redevelopment at that end of town
couldnt.they just keep.it for homeless shelter housing.
This was built as a single screen. Converted to a multi screen much later. I recall seeing The Godfather, Jaws, Superman. The original ABC was over on Hight Street, that became a Bingo hall.
As part of the revamp of the town centre and Waterdale the council want the ABC to become a retail outlet surrounded by a new open plan green space with pop up units and nightlife area.
Steveh! You a donny lad too, eh?
I was born and raised there, but left in my early 20s. I actually used to work behind this cinema in the waterdale. I worked at a butcher's shop there. I have no idea if it's still there. It has been a long time since I've been back.👍
@@TheRetroManRandySavage most of Waterdale is now rubble has been for about 4 years only parts left are library which is being demolished soon and the units up to cleveland street and flats above.
@@steveh31 what a shame. That place was thriving when I was working at the butcher's in the mid to late 90s.
I remember there was a fruit n veg shop next to us and supermarket in the shop opposite. We were pretty close to the cafe and bus station.
I actually heard that the bus station isn't in use anymore. That's a shame too.
The bus station closed in 2005 and is a car park now, the interchange is actually very nice (apart from the arches under North Bridge) it is a shame they put it in the wrong place.
@@steveh31 wow, that long ago. Is the marathon health and fitness gym still above the bus station?
The ABC had only one screen originally, (one of three cinemas that could show Cinema Scope format), But was adapted to three screens later.
Thank you for the information 👍 it must have been enormous as a single screen
@@roncurry3626 Thanks for the information 👍 Brilliant. Might be worth popping round during the week and try catch one of the builders. I'm sure they wouldn't mind letting you have them. Like you say will most probably end up in a skip which is a shame if you can make use of them.
How did you get in there this is awesome
Incrível amigo... Lugar fantástico!!!
Excelente exploração...👍👍👍
Thank you dear 👍👍
That’s brilliant Donny lad!
I’d love to explore, who did you contact to get permission?
Usually the wife
Would love to have a look in there been wanting to for years keep the exploring up ✊🏻
Will do pal 👍 cheers
Kes premiered there .... in my mind I went the night after. Its touching because Kes would have loved it now with those pigeons and squabs.
Just subscribed but thought I was already subbed bud great video
Ahhh thanks man I appreciate it 👍 we have chatted a few times in Mike's premieres. But I'm usually signed in on our collab account. We will be ordering some hoodies from you soon 👍
Grand 2 Listed buildings mean nothing to Doncaster Council. I can remember when on a Sunday morning Doncaster Council knocked down a Grade 2 Listed Building in the 90s to build that new Job Centre.
The "mesh" is the actual screen. Cinema screens are covered in reflective black dots you cant see from where you usally sit 😊
Thank you! That's some really cool info... Why have I never heard that before!?
My dad says his mum took him to see The Railway Children. I used to see it often near the Colonnades and wonder what was in it
This bit made my fella laugh with the phone when you said I love these phones and hello 🤗🤗 hahaha best bit of this one ☺️☺️☺️ 23:55 24:03
That was awesome buddy an I see the hart attack pigeon I paid turned up also lol
Haha revenge 🤣😆😂
@@theurbandon5902 lol
Great memories I knew exactly where you were the whole time spent a lot of my childhood hanging around the ABC just keeping my grandad company who was an usher there for years watched loads of free movies 100s in fact and used to explore like you did in the school hols
Brilliant work will share with my kids
Many a happy memory going there. Why don’t the council spend some time and money and restore this instead of ploughing all that money into a new cinema?!
That's common sense, only tell the tax payers to recycle & reuse not those at the top who need their vanity projects.
Hi mate, where possibly coming to the area in next few weeks, just wondering if there's still access here
I believe its Sealed up pal
I lived in waterdale for 10 yrs and coudnt see a way inti this place.did you get in or was it an allowed visit
Why is the left hand wall writing backwards???
Reverse cam, I filmed this place a few years back. I was still finding my feet with editing ect
A shame you didn`t find the original stage area but few people do.
‘Twas 3 screens. I always used to dream of owning this building and turning it into a killer rave spot.
I've always wondered what this building was I always thought it was government that got destroyed by Thatcher
Think I had my first ever trip to the cinema there.
How'd you get in
Lovin the old nuclear fallout siren on the roof at 26:38. Would've been the main one for the town centre. Would be cool to get that thing fired up. Everyone would crap themselves 😂
No way !!! Never noticed 🤣🤣 definitely would have fired that up if had 🤣
Went to see the first star wars film there, used to go regularly just before closed
Excellent
Is it still there
I remember it being a one screen cinima back in the 70s then it closed and reopened as a 3 screen cinima
I’m surprised it’s still kept the way it is!!
Pretty untouched for nearly 30 year's Shame hame about all the pigeon shit
Donny Explorer yea that does ruin it like, will probs be demolished
30 years wow I feel old now lol
He says a Great Line:... "Where The Magic Happened"....
Nice video Don, but why the mask?.
Having people recognise me would be my worst nightmare. I like to walk around Doncaster the same way I do abandoned buildings !! Totally Unnoticed
Fair enough.@@theurbandon5902
I remember being in there went to c many films and grease I remember then again later when they made it onto smaller screens I remember when it was one massive screen in 1978 watching grease it was biggest screen I had ever seen , also remember£1 a film IV all ways wanted to c inside wish u had stayed in screens longer there too quick can u go back.
Why is everything back to front?
Seems standard procedure nowadays to blame Covid! So I'll play it safe and go with that.
The first (and last) time I went to the ABC in Doncaster was to see Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Classic film 👍
Interesting to see...
I have always wanted to go in here.
Wonder what the last movies that were were projected there were
I believe they had a special showing of Dr Shivago. As this was first movie shown in 1968, it was the last in 1992.
Just wondered if you’ve ever visited Exeter ?
Yes, but a long time ago
I from donny I use to go to Saturday morning matinee at the ABC back way then 70s good days not like now..
No movie posters
It would have seated a 1000when it was a single screen before conversion in the 80's
I remember waiting in line to see ABBA the film .
We lined up right round to the bus station. There was a greek themed cafe next door, where we used to go for a cuppa before going into the cinema. I didn’t realise it was still in a reasonable condition inside. Shame something cannot be done to restore it. It’s ironic that they have just built a new cinema, The Savoy, just around the corner.
It really was a step back in time wondering around this place. I love to see people's stories in the comments. Thanks for watching
ABBA The Movie was released om 1977
@@AdamDawson3 sorry, got my dates wrong.
A mate of mines son was on security there and had the keys so he let us in, that was about 10 years ago and not a pigeon in site lol nice to see inside again 🙂
I also used to be an ABC MINOR on a saturday morning, anyone remember that ?
I felt like the homeless lady from home alone two In there 😄🤣 Thanks for stopping by 👍 I haven't forgotten about that cuppa either the next time I'm exploring round your way 👍 😉
The fact that this has been lying empty for 30 years now is *disgraceful!* The local Doncaster council should be ashamed. I would *actually* places like this that are never going to be used again in their original state be demolished and then either turn into affordable housing/new leisure complex or just empty land then just left to rot.
all abc cinemas had 3 screens
I live in doncaster and love urbex any chance you could share some locations if so I will send you my messenger details
I went to see E.T there. Was a good place.
me too lol. Loved screen 1 curved seating. Usually got hotdog at entrance and tried not to drop onions going up stairs
Star Trek the movie here - can’t believe so much of the interior is still in place. Having come back to Donny I’m saddened how much of town has been run down or taken over by the same kind of shops. Maybe as part of the new civic quarter they ought to turn ABC into another theatre and really push to make people want to travel in bring something back to the town. Very sad
Well that’s a blast from the past. It did used to be 1 big screen, as I remember, we used to come Saturday to the ABC minors club, who remembers that?.
But of an eyesore now I’m afraid, like rest of waterdale, awful town planning for the 60’s, tragically ruined Doncaster..
when are they screening the return of jeremy corbyn
Owned by a cinema company still.
lol, really surprused that all that cabling and electrical stuff, esp the aircon system, hasnt been half inched, fair bit of copper in that.
Now most of the towns criminals have seen this video I doubt it's still there lol
Like a bloody maze in there bro 👍
Was it that obvious I couldn't find my way out 😅😆😂 hope you are well big lad.... Absolute shame about Handcock 😄🤣😂😆 gutted for her husband. All the blokes to cheat with she picks that cretin
@@theurbandon5902 hahahahaha she must have Cataracts 👍
@@DonkeyDave269 hmmmm that and many other things wrong with her 🤣🤣🤣 Made my fucking day anyway! I could imagine his wife throwing the wedding plates at the cheating little twat bag. Hopefully see the little prick sat outside a B&M now hes been sacked
We'll get this ABC cinema reopened.
think it had 3 screens
Apparently it started out as a single then it was split into three
@@theurbandon5902 Definitely a single when I saw Towering Inferno, King Kong. The screen was something else in 70mm Cinemascope (especially to a five year old). I've got many memories, going as I did about five times a week once they put it to £1. The Gaumont/Odeon was rubbish by comparison. A couple of years ago I asked Mayor Ros about banging some money into ABC's restoration but she told me many had enquired, and all had agreed in the end... better to build one from the ground up. As you've seen, it's a mess in there - and I'd go get your lungs checked! At least the council did make some effort to incorporate the beautiful art-deco facade of the Gaumont into the new one (thankfully my mate Cllr Nidge made sure they kept it in storage).
@@telsutton My old man told me before I went in that it was a single screen. I also used to discuss old Doncaster with Gordon Galimore before he past away. Always a fascinating natter with Gordon! Thank you for taking the time to ad some more information. Really appreciate it pal 👍
@@telsutton See if you can get him to do anything with "The Lovers" statue if he's your mate. Hate where they've put it now (on top of a shelter in Waterdale), nobody looks at it when walking by, it's open to all the elements and it's deterioating badly. I still think it should go back in it's original home, near boots inside Frenchgate (previously known as The Arndale). It might have to go nearer the entrance because of the escalators that weren't there before, but it would look great as you go in.
I seem to remember it being in some sort of moat with seating round it, like a water feature, correct me if I'm wrong.