Bringing the Magic of Hanley’s ABC Cinema to Life in a Fenton Garden

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting the incredible Home ABC Cinema in Fenton with friends. From the moment I stepped inside, it felt like stepping into a time machine, transporting me straight back to the golden days of my childhood. This labour of love, created by local bus driver Anderson Jones, is nothing short of a masterpiece - a perfect homage to the iconic ABC cinemas of the past.

The Inspiration Behind the Cinema

Andy’s passion for cinema began as a child, inspired by visits to the ABC cinema in Hanley, where his grandmother worked as an usherette. Those childhood memories, combined with a deep love for film, led Andy to create this stunning home cinema. Nestled in the garden of his semi-detached house, it is a fully functioning, 34-seat theatre that wouldn’t look out of place in the golden age of cinema.

Speaking about his project, Andy explained, “When I was younger, I always told people I’d build a cinema one day. Nobody believed me, but it was a dream I couldn’t let go of.”

A Labour of Love

Andy spent over four-and-a-half years and £70,000 of his life savings to bring his dream to life. Every detail has been painstakingly crafted, from the building’s 1930s-inspired design to its 1970s interior touches. The red velvet curtains, vintage projection room, and plush seating create a space that feels authentic yet magical.

The cinema itself is an impressive structure—40 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 20 feet high. It houses a large screen (17ft by 7ft), a projection room, and even a black-and-white tiled restroom area. The foyer, complete with a concessions stand, serves popcorn, sweets, and tickets, making the experience delightfully immersive.

A Treasure Trove of History

Andy’s dedication to authenticity shines through his collection of memorabilia. Over decades, he has sourced original pieces from closed cinemas, including door handles, exit signs, vintage posters, and even the seating—much of it reclaimed from the ABC cinema in Hanley, which closed in 2000.

One of the standout features is the carpet. Unable to find enough original ABC carpet, Andy went to great lengths to have an exact replica made. “It cost a few thousand pounds, but it was worth every penny to keep the authenticity,” he shared.

The cinema also features a 35mm projector, allowing Andy to screen vintage trailers and adverts alongside modern films. For guests, it’s more than just a viewing experience—it’s a journey into cinema history.

Family and Community Spirit

This project has been a family affair. Andy’s wife, Jayne, supports his passion wholeheartedly, often dressing as an usherette and managing the sweet counter during film nights. Their children also enjoy the space, with Andy even rigging up an Xbox to the big screen for family gaming sessions.

While the Home ABC Cinema is not a commercial venue, Andy opens it to family, friends, and members of the Cinema Theatre Association. In the spirit of generosity, he asks for charitable donations from guests rather than charging admission fees.

A Highlight for Stoke-on-Trent

Andy’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Home ABC Cinema has been featured on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt, with presenter Christina Trevanion describing it as “a complete labour of love.” Walking into the cinema for the first time, she marvelled, “This is incredible! Not what you expect to find at the end of the garden.”

The cinema also earned Andy a nomination in the Shed of the Year awards, a fitting tribute to his remarkable achievement.

My Experience

Visiting the Home ABC Cinema was a truly nostalgic and heartwarming experience. From the moment the red velvet curtains parted, I was immersed in a world that felt both familiar and magical. Watching a film surrounded by authentic cinema relics was a reminder of the power of dreams and the importance of preserving our history.

Andy Jones’s Home ABC Cinema is a fantastic example of the creativity and dedication found in Stoke-on-Trent. Our city is full of people who care deeply about preserving history and heritage, and projects like this show how those efforts can keep the past alive in unique and meaningful ways.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit, I promise it’s an experience you won’t forget.