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 . The two clips were recorded there by me in the late 1990s.

"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. It is now being installed in its new venue, The Troxy at Stepney in East London. The picture below shows the console after the 2002 restoration and there are two clips of my recordings.

"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 I made there in 1998.

"I Could be Happy with You"

At the console of the ex Ritz Cinema, Stockport WurliTzer (3/8) when it was in Clydebank Town Hall near Glasgow. It is owned by the Scottish Cinema Organ Trust and there is one clip of me palying it in 2000.

"A Cup of Coffee, a Sandwich and 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



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.

Some Other Theatre Organs I have played

Gershwin played on the ex Forum, Southampton Compton

Sydney 2000

Some Special British Theatre Organs and Organists

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Copyright © 1997 to 2011 Chas Girdwood. All Rights Reserved.