The O₂ Academy Brixton began simply as the Brixton Astoria nearly 100 years ago on August 19, 1929. The grand cinema that featured a domed ceiling with artificial stars and Mediterranean-inspired interiors, was built for £250,000 and designed by Thomas Somerford and E.A. Stone.
Its debut included a screening of the Al Jolson part-talkie, The Singing Fool, and live BBC radio performances. It thrived for over 40 years as a major cinema and performance venue that bragged being the home of an iconic Compton organ.
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