Northfields

Pat Schaverien's interior view of the Odeon Theatre, Northfields, looks towards the rear from the stage. She uses simple lines and contrasts of light and dark to convey a sense of space and the impression of theatrical mystery and wonder.

The building opened as the Avenue Theatre in September 1932. Its Spanish-themed interior was an unusual feature for a British theatre at that time. A long period as the Odeon, from 1936 to 1981, was followed by four years as the Coronet Cinema.

The building was eventually sold and converted into a nightclub. All seats and stage fittings were removed, the orchestra floor was terraced and the circle re-stepped to become the bar area. The Top Hat Club opened in May 1988.

Elim Pentecostal Church took over the building in 1994 and began restoring it to its former splendour. In October 2000, the theatre hosted its first film show for 15 years.