A newly-restored Wurlitzer organ brought back memories and nostalgia for older cockney residents at their tea-dance held appropriately in East London’s former 1930s-style Troxy picture palace.
The live organ music evocative of the old silver screen from the Troxy’s 1930s’ heyday gave the dance arranged by Tower Hamlets council in Commercial Road a touch of Hollywood glamour.
Europe’s largest Wurlitzer which used to play at the old Trocadero cinema at the Elephant and Castle, on the other side of the Thames, has been restored by the Cinema Organ Society.
Tea dance revellers got a sneak preview ahead of its official unveiling on August 22 with music played by international organist Richard Hills.
Some residents remembered hearing the same organ played in the 1960s at the old Trocadero. Others recalled going to the Troxy to play bingo after its cinema days ended.
Catering students from Redbridge College made fancy tea cakes, finger sandwiches and fresh scones with pots of tea and coffee.
A team of 30 apprentices from the council and students from Tower Hamlets College ushered the 650 revellers to their seats and even tripped the light fantastic on the dance floor with them.
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