State Grays Compton

The construction of the State cinema commenced in October 1937, the architect was Mr. F.G.M. Chancellor of Messrs. Frank Matcham and co. and the consulting engineer was G.H. Buckle of Messrs. E. Wingfield-Bowles & Partners, the Building contractors were a local firm, Messr. Brown Bros Ltd.
It cost over £100,000 to build and equip, featured a giant Compton Organ and seated 2200 people.The State opened for business on Monday 5th September 1938. showing "The Hurricane" starring Dorothy Lamour and Jon Hall. The State also supplemented its programme of films with variety and concert performances.

In the 70s due largely to the efforts of the manager Roy Roberts and the chairman of "Friends of the State" Huw Davis, the cinema was Grade II listed. It closed to general public performances in 1989 though organ concerts were still staged.
Parts of the building were converted into a night club but this venture was short lived.
In 2000, the State Cinema had its listing upgraded from II to II*.
In 2001, the State was acquired by Morissons who built a supermarket on the adjacent land.
The State is now owned by a property development company called TSP Properties.