The theatre organ in the United Kingdom has had a long and interesting history, from its earliest days providing accompaniment to silent films right up to the present time when dedicated concert venues are being built to house and showcase these fine instruments in their own right. Along the way, many fine musicians have graced the airwaves and delighted audiences with their unique musical styles and this tradition looks set to continue with the emergence of new talent in both the performing and technical fields.
This documentary brings us full circle; the Majestic backdrop of the Plaza Stockport provides an opportunity to glimpse the sophistication and style of the heyday of the instrument. By the time most super-cinemas were being built across the United Kingdom, silent films were a thing of the past and this allowed the organ to be part of variety show in its own right, with star organists taking top billing alongside other variety acts in an exciting programme which extended far beyond just the films of the moment. Cinema chains vied with one another to attract the best talent and install the finest organs and the BBC even commissioned one of the most impressive of all as organ music played an integral role in light music programming.
However, nothing lasts for even and the advent of war and subsequent popularisation of television meant a sea-change in audience demographics and, as cinemas began to close their doors in the sixties and seventies, enthusiasts stepped in and rescued a remarkable number. Instruments were given a new lease of life in civic halls, churches, barns, private homes and even, in one instance, a pub. Dancing to the sounds of the mighty organ increased in popularity as the stylings so skilfully originated by the Blackpool musicians spread to new venues nationwide and attendances at concerts were high as new audiences were attracted alongside those who remembered the instrument from days gone by as the late seventies and early eighties brought a new wave of star organists and healthy commercial recording sales to boot.
Again, the tides of time bring us round to a new frontier in the life of the theatre organ. The advent of exciting new venues, such as the Astoria Centre in Barnsley, and the development of readily available virtual organ technology will help to bring the instrument to the attention of a new generation. The internet and social media mean that enthusiasts are readily connected with the dissemination of new ideas, technical advice, promotion and web based shows such as ‘The Organist Encores’. As Kevin Grunill says in the documentary, we are always on the lookout for new players and technicians and it’s now easier than ever for people to get involved. The ATOS Young Organist of the Year competition is re-born and 2015 winner, Declan Poole, and his cohort of fellow young performers help to confirm that the future is bright.
The instruments of today are exciting, dynamic and, in most cases, accessible. So as you experience ‘The Secrets of the Mighty Theatre Organ’ in this documentary, why not come and experience one live and in person for yourself?! - Mark Laflin 2016
Credits:
Producer: Damon Cox
Director Kim Hills
Camera: Jack Clayton
Editor: Victoria Baxter
For a weekly dose of cinema organ music, visit organistencores.co.uk