Gaumont State Cinema

The Gaumont State Cinema stands in Kilburn, a district in northwest London. It is a Grade II* listed Art Deco theatre designed by George Coles and built by Phillip and Sid Hyams. The cinema opened in 1937 and was one of the biggest auditoria in Europe, seating 4,004 people. Its 120-foot tower, inspired by the Empire State Building, bears the name 'STATE' in large red neon letters. The exterior features cream ceramic tiles in an Art Deco Italian Renaissance style, while the interior is opulent, including a large Wurlitzer organ. The Gaumont State has hosted historic performances by many famous entertainers. Gracie Fields, Larry Adler, and George Formby performed at its opening broadcast on BBC Radio in 1937. Over the years, it became one of London’s most popular music venues, hosting acts like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Beatles. The building later served as a bingo hall from the late 1980s until 2007. A local campaign saved it from developers, and it was bought by Ruach City Church in 2007. Visitors find a grand cinema with a towering Art Deco design and a fully functioning Wurlitzer organ. The interior retains its original opulence, with decorative details from the 1930s. The tower’s neon sign can be seen for miles around, marking the cinema’s presence in the area. The building’s history is visible in its architecture and the stories of the performers who graced its stage. It remains a landmark in Kilburn, recognised for its cultural significance.