Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, City Of Westminster, Greater London
Building in progress from Leicester Square. Oscar Deutsch's flagship Odeon cinema was built on the site of the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square, designed by Harry Weedon and Andrew Mather. It has hosted many key cinematic events and continues to operate under the Odeon name (2025).The Odeon cinema company was founded in 1930 by Oscar Deutsch. During the 1930s, it grew to become one of the country’s major chains of cinemas. The first five Odeon cinemas opened in 1933, and by 1936 there were 142 across the country. Although each Odeon was unique, the use of a set range of architectural features meant that most of the cinemas were instantly recognisable as an 'Odeon', with their distinctive Modernist style. The slogan, ‘Oscar Deutsch Entertains Our Nation’ (ODEON) was also synonymous with the brand.
