See photos of the Odyssey from 1908 to current, and throughout restoration.
If you have any photos of the Odyssey, past or present, that you would like to feature, please send them to contactus@odysseypictures.co.uk – we will always credit the photographer and you keep the rights to the photo.
The Alpha Picture Palace, c.1910
Fire at the Regent Cinema, 1927
Odeon Cinema, c.1960s
– Odeon Cinema, c. 1970s
Odeon Cinema, c.1980s
Cinema, 2009 – derelict
Cinema, 2009 – cleaned up and SOLD!
Naming of the cinema as The Odyssey, 2010 – supporter Lexie Heal and naming winner Jessica Preston
Odyssey interior – stairwell
Odyssey interior – shop sign
Odyssey interior – light fitting
Odyssey Interior – Projection Room 2
James Hannaway takes questions at the first Open Day, July 2010
Rex staff get their woolly hats out to welcome locals to the Odyssey Market stall, 2011
Scaffolding goes up at The Odyssey, June 2013. Thanks to Helen Green for the photo!
All photos from Tuesday 17th June 2014, mid-restoration.
The Odyssey Cinema 
wow…im soooooo impressed…it a bit like a dream come true…one of the most beautiful cinemas ever…i have such a comnnection to it as my mum worked there and her water broke while carrying me in 1965 while working..lol…think it was the sound of music…we need the old cinemas back…i was a projectionist in the early 80s…..if i can help in any way i will try
This place holds many memories of my younger years! Such a beautiful building & I am so glad it is being re-vitalised!!! Can’t wait to visit when it has finished!
I was the last Chief Projectionist here when it was the Odeon and closed in 1995. I worked there from 1981 – 1995 when I got moved to the Odeon Hemel Hempsted. It was sad to see it closed.
Very interesting site and great to see it is being renovated. Still live nearby and can’t wait for another open day. If I can help with any information about the site I would be only to glad to help.
My wife Susan Buck & myself Jon Buck used to visit the St Albans Odeon on a regular basis, Sadly It closed in 1995 @ the same time as Leisure World in Hemel opened, this Stopped us going to the Cinema as not liking the MultiScreen cinemas, Had the pleasure of going to the Rex in Berkhampstead not long after it opened & watched David Lean’s Classic Lawrence of Arabia, we have been visiting the Rex on a regular basis, & must say What a Superb Experience it is Every time we go, We shall no doubt try & rekindle our relationship with The Odeon “Odyessy” as & when it opens – Good Luck Hope all Goes well – Jon & Sue Buck from Hemel – jon.buck2@ntlworld.com
I worked as an usherette between 1982 – 1985 . I have so many fantastic memories , the purple uniforms and delivering the ice creams during the interval , the opening nights of Tootsie , Gandhi and Nightmare on Elm street , taking a walk down the long corridors locking the fire exit doors at the end of the night.It is great to see the work being done to regenerate the iconic St Albans cinema.
Good luck with this venture. It would be great to see the cinema opened once more.
Please can we see more pictures of the current restoration? I’m sure everyone involved in the project would really like to see some pictures of the progress inside as well as outside.