We’re fast forwarding from the Longford Theatre / cinema to the Essoldo Cinema Stretford as it is the early 1960s (find out more about the Essoldo chain here). There is an ominous clue in one of the quotes about what was coming down the road just a few years later (hint, next article)
Managers of Stretford and Urmston’s cinemas have declared war on cinema hooligans. Anybody causing a disturbance in the cinemas will be turned out immediately.
They are backing the Manchester and District branch of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association which wants a bylaw to help them stamp out hooliganism in cinemas.
“ We will not let a handful of nitwit’s spoil performances” said Mr Henry Tuthill, manager of Stretford’s Essoldo and Picturedrome cinemas. “Suspicious characters will not get past the box office”. Mr John Richards, manager of the Cousin in cinema, Urmston said “our cinemas are much quieter at present, but we cannot afford to relax our efforts.”
Mr. Charles Meert, manager of Urmston’s Empress Cinema said “cinema managers are virtually powerless, but this bylaw would change that.”
Manchester Evening News – 30th January 1961
Longford and Essoldo Cinema Stretford 
You always come up with some great material about the Longford / Essoldo Matthew, well done. David E