The Gaumont Cinema by Toxteth – more commonly known as Dingle’s Gaumont Cinema – is situated in a very interested spot. It has been observed that the haunted theatre’s position on a map of Liverpool forms a triangle if plotted alongside the nearby Turner Memorial Home and the impressive Ancient Chapel of Toxteth.
The odd shape of the cinema is simply due to the curve of the roads the building stands beside. It was built in 1937 to house Britain’s first Gaumont projectomatic system. This is a cinema system that automatically changed film reels and controlled the lights. The issue of light control is interesting as some of the reported hauntings in the old building have featured the lights.
The art deco building was built to replace the Dingle Picturedrome. After the Gaumont theatre was decommissioned it was turned into a bingo hall.
Hauntings at Toxteth Gaumont Cinema
There have been a number of ghost sightings at the cinema; ranging from strange lights to shadowy figures.
It is rumoured that a bingo player lost her life while playing the game – her heart giving out to the drama. One of the popular stories suggests that she still lingers on in the hall trying to claim her winners. Another local story speaks of a suicide; a man who killed himself behind the cinema screen.
First Broadcast: 10th November 2009
We’ve just seen that episode tonight and we saw exactly the same thing! The bit where Karl says there’s someone in there. Rewinding it back and forth it looks as if he’s rocking back and forth. Made me go cold! I’ve just been trawling the internet to see if anyone else had seen it too
iv been past the bulding on the bus to the city centre when i go past i just look at for know reason and i thort there was all ways a wierd story about the cinema but i didnt exspect to be ghost
I have just watched the episode of the investigation at gaumont cinema, and me and my partner both picked up on a figure of a man leaning against the wall that know one noticed. He seemed to of been a black man which is what the medium picked up on. I believe in ghosts but my partner is a sceptic and he is a bit freaked out.