Item RSP/2/2/7/9 - Lease of the Polytechnic Theatre

Counterpart lease of the Polytechnic Theatre 309 Regent Street from Sir JEK Studd and Sir Malcolm Hogg to Rialto Cinemas Ltd, from 4 Aug 1941 to 'expiration of three months after termination of present emeregncy' with endorsement of 6 Mar 1946. There are pencil annotations throughtout.

Lease includes stipulation that the tenant can use the Hall between the hours of 11am and 11pm except for Sundays, Christmas Days and Good Friday for the purposes of 'conducting cinematograph [cinema] exhibitions and other entertainments'. The rent is to be £1599 a year, plus 10% of net weekly takings after deduction of entertainment tax in excess of £150 up to £300 and 15% in excess of £300. In calculating Sunday takings the amoutn set aside to charity deductions as required by the LCC shall be deducted. The tenant shall provide an efficient musical accompaniment to the performance if necessary. All performances shall be submited to the Landlord for approval. Includes regulations with regards to copyright music. Seats A18-22 are reserved for the free use of the Governors of the Polytechnic. The tenant is to recognise that 'the activities of the Polytechnic Theatre have always formed an integral part of the scheme of the Polytechnic [and] will as far as possible exhibit films mainly of an educational and cultural type including subjects dealing with travel science nature studies and drama'. If the lessee desires to use the two manual Compton organs installed in the theatre he must pay for maintenance. The whole of the premises must also be placed at the disposal of the Governors four times a year for holding special religious services.