Inside the Majestic Cinema in City Square. The dome itself has a diameter of 84 feet, (nearly 26 metres) larger than the dome of St Paul's Cathedral in London. Even though a suspended ceiling now covers the circle area, the great frieze, depicting chariots and horsemen, surrounding the dome still remains. The image was taken in the year following the opening which took place on Whit Monday, June 5, 1922. The Grand £5,000 organ is also visible right of centre. The 1812 Overture was played on the organ by Harry Davidson, complete with special effects, at the opening of the cinema. The orchestra pit is seen beneath the curtains, bottom right. The Majestic Symphony Orchestra accompanied the silent films shown here in the early days.Inside the Majestic Cinema in City Square. The dome itself has a diameter of 84 feet, (nearly 26 metres) larger than the dome of St Paul's Cathedral in London. Even though a suspended ceiling now covers the circle area, the great frieze, depicting chariots and horsemen, surrounding the dome still remains. The image was taken in the year following the opening which took place on Whit Monday, June 5, 1922. The Grand £5,000 organ is also visible right of centre. The 1812 Overture was played on the organ by Harry Davidson, complete with special effects, at the opening of the cinema. The orchestra pit is seen beneath the curtains, bottom right. The Majestic Symphony Orchestra accompanied the silent films shown here in the early days.
Inside the Majestic Cinema in City Square. The dome itself has a diameter of 84 feet, (nearly 26 metres) larger than the dome of St Paul's Cathedral in London. Even though a suspended ceiling now covers the circle area, the great frieze, depicting chariots and horsemen, surrounding the dome still remains. The image was taken in the year following the opening which took place on Whit Monday, June 5, 1922. The Grand £5,000 organ is also visible right of centre. The 1812 Overture was played on the organ by Harry Davidson, complete with special effects, at the opening of the cinema. The orchestra pit is seen beneath the curtains, bottom right. The Majestic Symphony Orchestra accompanied the silent films shown here in the early days.

10 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1923

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 27th Dec 2023, 04:45 BST
Updated 27th Dec 2023, 06:54 BST

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These photos provide a rare glimpse inside a city centre landmark which has proved to be an entertainment mecca down the decades.

This gallery showcases the Majestic when it first opened as a cinema in the 1920s. The 2,500 seater cinema closed in 1969 and became a Bingo Hall for many years before re-opening as the Majestyk nightclub in 1996. These rarely seen photos are among 10 charting a year in the life of the city in 1923. The images are published thanks to Mr K S Wheelan and others courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: Astonishing photos of Leeds city centre during the 1920s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

A multi-view postcard with a postdate of August 4, 1923 showing five different images of Leeds. The main picture in the centre is of the Town Hall, while around the outside are views of City Square, Briggate, Kirkstall Abbey and Boar Lane.

7. Leeds in 1923

A multi-view postcard with a postdate of August 4, 1923 showing five different images of Leeds. The main picture in the centre is of the Town Hall, while around the outside are views of City Square, Briggate, Kirkstall Abbey and Boar Lane. Photo: Artemis, Leeds City Council

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November 1923 and in focus is a Leeds Libraries exhibition stand promoting books on health. The front of the display has a map giving locations of branch libraries. Also on display is recently published 'Leeds in The Great War', notice states that subscription copies may be ordered for £1.1- (£1.5p).

8. Leeds in 1923

November 1923 and in focus is a Leeds Libraries exhibition stand promoting books on health. The front of the display has a map giving locations of branch libraries. Also on display is recently published 'Leeds in The Great War', notice states that subscription copies may be ordered for £1.1- (£1.5p). Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Inside the Majestic Cinema. There are upholstered sofas in the carpeted room and beyond the white pillars there is a staircase.

9. Leeds in 1923

Inside the Majestic Cinema. There are upholstered sofas in the carpeted room and beyond the white pillars there is a staircase. Photo: Mr. K. S. Wheelan

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A view showing the seating arrangements and decoration of the Majestic Cinema in City Square. The premises included a restaurant that could cater for 500 diners, and also a dance hall in the basement.

10. Leeds in 1923

A view showing the seating arrangements and decoration of the Majestic Cinema in City Square. The premises included a restaurant that could cater for 500 diners, and also a dance hall in the basement. Photo: Mr. K. S. Wheelan

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