CHAS GIRDWOOD AND THE MIGHTY THEATRE ORGAN

THE MIGHTY THEATRE ORGAN AND ME

The picture below shows me at the console of the 3 manuel, 12 ranks Wurlitzer from the Regal Cinema, Kingston-upon-Thames which is owned by the Brentford Musical Museum and currently being moved to new premises. The two clips were recorded there.

Chas at Wurlitzer

"I'm in the Mood for Love"
"Deep Purple"

Specification of Brentford Wurlitzer

Another organ I played frequently is the 4 manuel, 24 ranks Wurlitzer which used to be in the Trocadero, Elephant and Castle, London and made famous by the great Quentin Maclean when he was resident organist. The organ is owned by the Cinema Organ Society and until recently was installed in the South Bank University. A new location is being sought. The picture below shows the console after the 2002 restoration and there are two clips of recordings.

The COS London Wurlitzer

"Lover" by Rogers & Hart.
"Puppet on a String" the Eurovision song contest winner.

The third organ, that I played a lot, used to be in the Astoria Cinema in Woking. It's a 3 manuel, 6 ranks Compton which until recently was installed in a Southampton residence and used extensively for concerts by the leading organists almost every week of the year. It has now been sold on to a residence in East Anglia. There is one clip from a recording made there in 1998.

Compton Console

"I Could be Happy with You"

The Cinema Organ Society exists for the benefit of all who are interested in the organ as entertainment. It was founded in 1952 by Hubert Selby. The newly elected President is Doreen Chadwick who takes over from the late Robin Richmond. Vice Presidents are Douglas Badham, Basil Bonner and Tony Moss. It is based in the UK around four districts; London, Midlands, Yorkshire and Scotland with each one looking after a number of prestigeous theatre organs and organising concerts and other social and instructive events. Go Back

TOC badge

The Theatre Organ Club is the second organisation in the UK for theatre organ lovers. It was founded in 1938 for Robinson Cleaver, the first President. The current president is Phil Kelsall of Blackpool Tower fame and the patron for 2008 is Nicholas Martin (photo below courtesy of the TOC).

Theatre Organs in Great Britain (TOC Lists)

Some Other Theatre Organs I have played

Gershwin played on the ex Forum, Southampton Compton

Sydney 2000

Some Special British Theatre Organs and Organists

Links to Other Theatre Organ Sites

Love to hear from anyone with a Wurlitzer waiting to be played.......

E-mail me if you like