The Rota Cinema Ash Road and Thornley Lane Denton

 Elder’s first cinema, built for the small local circuit of Jackson and Newport. The foyer block was in the form of a drum, with wide overhanging eaves and a canopy. The spherical theme continued in the auditorium, where strong downward curves in the side wall treatment dictated the form of the proscenium and a cove lighting trough in the ceiling. Opened on 8 December 1934 with seating for 820 in the stalls and 386 in the circle.  The facade had a 34 foot high round tower which formed the 26 foot diameter entrance hall. Inside the auditorium, seating was provided in stalls and circle levels. There were decorative bands on the side-walls and a lay light in the centre of the ceiling, which curved down toward the stage opening. The was no decorative border around the proscenium opening.The Rota Cinema was sold to the Union Cinemas chain on 4th April 1936,in order to finance the Longford Cinema and they in turn were taken over by the Associated British Cinemas(ABC) chain in October 1937. ABC closed the Rota Cinema on 24th October 1959. It was subsequently demolished and housing was built on the site.

Client        Jackson and Newport (Lancashire) Limited, Embassy Theatre, Reddish
Architect     Henry Elder of Roberts and Wood King Street, Manchester (before partnership)
Builder        Russell Building and Contracting Company Limited
Reference    Builder 15 June 1934 Page 1041 - plans passed
Reference    Builder 22 June 1934 Page 1087
Reference    Builder 20 July 1934 Page 116
Reference    William Shenton: Picture Palace to Super Cinema - A History of Stockport Cinemas
Reference    Gould Gazetteer
The building was to have been of brick with stone dressings. Seating capacity was given as 1,100 on 15 June but revised to a notional total of 1,200 comprising 800 seats in the stalls and 400 seats in the balcony on 22 June 1934.