ABC Cinema

ABC Cinema

The ABC Cinema is Grade II listed. It rounds the corner of Lime Street and Elliot Street and is one of the first buildings visitors see when leaving Leaving Lime Street Station. ABC acquired the building in 1930 and it opened a year later to become known as one of the finest cinemas of that era.

The six storey exterior was designed by A. E. Shannon and has very little decoration other than motifs over the entrance. Despite this, the building remains a very distinct feature on Lime Street. The building is listed for the grand interior, which is said to remain one of the designers - William R. Glen's - best. 

The cinema was renamed ABC Cinema in February 1971 and survived intact until 1982 when it was converted to three screens; the additional two mini cinemas were installed under the balcony. It was re-named Cannon in 1986 and remained so until closure in 1998. A building that many in the city remember using, The Forum finally closed its doors on the 28th of January 1998. It remains unused.    

5 comments

  • Comment Link Chris Dale Sunday, 23 March 2014 00:04 posted by Chris Dale

    I went to see the World Premier of Funeral in Berlin starring Michael Caine many years ago. This was complete with Champagne reception. What a shame to see such a grand building in such a state. The would make a beautiful theatre but that is all dependent of the facilities that are available in the area of stage and back stage !!!

  • Comment Link Jo Harrop Tuesday, 07 January 2014 15:27 posted by Jo Harrop

    I remember going to the cinema here as a child - ET, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs - all my first films. When the introduced a 12 rating we felt particularly daring, sneaking in when we were only 10 to see Point Break. It actually doesn't seem like that long ago! A great building in a key location. Hopefully there will be a new life for it soon!

  • Comment Link joanne harrop Tuesday, 10 December 2013 16:33 posted by joanne harrop

    I remember sneaking into a 12 here when I was 10 and feeling particularly rebellious. I can't believe it has been empty for so long - such an iconic building in a key location within the city. Let's hope there is a new use soon!

  • Comment Link Chris Hughes Thursday, 03 October 2013 11:16 posted by Chris Hughes

    Undoubtedly one of the finest buildings - certainly the finest cinema building - in Liverpool. A great shame that no use has ben found for this building especially as it is sited in such a great position.

  • Comment Link Irene Monday, 23 September 2013 09:02 posted by Irene

    Saw Tommy The Toreador which starred Tommy Steele singing 'Little White Bull'.
    Me and my friends used to go to the cinema, two of us would pay in whilst the rest waited outside. The two who had paid in would then go to the red side doors and open them for us so we could all bunk in without paying.

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