Rex Cinema, Haselmere

(c’38-86) Located in Shottermill, west of Haselmere proper, The Rex opened as The Regal, a year before the Second World War kicked off, on 28 September ’38, with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in Follow the Fleet.

The war came close to closing The Rex four years later when, on 22 September ’42, a Douglas Boston MkIII Turbinlite of No.534 Squadron RAF came to a nasty end whilst exercising en route from Tangmere to Ford. At 17.55, it was seen to emerge from low cloud in a dive over Shottermill and as it did the aircraft broke up. The starboard engine fell vertically through the roof of the Rex Cinema and the main wreckage fell 95 yards north, on the main Hindhead to Haslemere road. Regrettably, all three RAF crew were killed.

Jumping 20 years ahead, The Temperance Seven ventured into the Rex on 19 February ’62; and it’s 15 feet deep stage, and three dressing rooms hosted a number of early sixties package tours over the coming years. Dee Dee Sharp on 30 October ’63, along with Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Heinz, Joe Brown, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Vince Eager, Big Three, Lee Curtis & The All Stars, and Caravelles. The Ronettes appeared on 5 January ’64, with Joe Brown and His Bruvvers, Marty Wilde and The Wildcats, and The Cheynes; who also served as The Ronettes’ backing band that night. Later that year The Hollies, Heinz, Jess Conrad, The Tornados, Wayne Gibson and The Dixie Cups played The Rex. On 26 October ’64, The Hollies packaged with The Dixie Cups, Heinz & The Wild Boys, Jess Conrad, The Tornados, The Hi-Fi’s, and Wayne Gibson & The Dynamic Sounds rolled through.

In the ’80’s, Dr Feelgood presented a great show, leaving them exhausted – fortunately they only had to nip up the road to the Crown & Cushion, where they were staying thta night.

Set to close in March ’85 the ACE Group of cinemas stepped in and kept it going for a further 20 months. It closed on 28 November ’86. A number of local bands were ushered on and off stage by that night’s stage manager, Nigel Higgs at the closing event. These included Godalming College based S’Tori, Burning Ambition, Captain Pike, and Screaming Hearts; but also, ignominiously, Pulling the Worm who were pulled after two songs, the latter being in poor taste. It has now been demolished and housing built on the site.

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