135 - Inside the Carlton Cinema with historian Nigel Smith

Cinema historian Nigel Smith joins Jamie to explore the hidden history of London’s picture houses. In particular the Egyptian-style Carlton in Islington. Nigel brings these spaces back to life through stories, archives, and first-hand recollections. In this episode, Nigel and Jamie discuss:

• How London’s old cinemas became coffee shops, bingo halls, and churches
• The difference between “going to the pictures” in the 1930s–50s and cinema-going today
• How local archives, trade papers, and oral histories help piece together forgotten stories
• Why repertory and community cinemas may hold the key to the future of film-going
• Nigel’s Memory Palaces project, documenting almost 100 cinema buildings with photos and stories

Find more from Nigel:
memorypalaces.co.uk and Instagram @nigelsmithwalks.



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Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

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