Panggung Lido, The Largest Cinema in Perak Around the 1960s
Ipoh flourished with development and economic growth after becoming the capital of Perak. Consequently, a variety of entertainment centers sprouted around Ipoh for the local community.
Cinemas began to proliferate in Ipoh between the 1950s and 1960s. They were the primary form of entertainment for those living in and around Ipoh to watch the latest film releases of that era. During that period, movie tickets could be purchased for as low as 65 cents. While that price seems incredibly cheap by today's standards, the reality was that many people still could not afford them. Among the films regularly screened in cinemas around Ipoh were Hollywood productions, local Malay films, Hindi films, Indonesian films, and Chinese films. This time, orangperak.com would like to revisit the largest and most popular cinema in Perak during the 1960s: the famous Panggung Lido, which was often packed whenever new movies were screened.
Panggung Lido was a popular hotspot, especially for the youth living around Ipoh. It brings back fond memories for those who are now grandparents. There is no denying that Panggung Lido was a favorite meeting place for young couples at the time.
Berthel Michael Iversen
Berthel Michael Iversen was the architect who designed the Panggung Lido building, which was completed in 1957, the year our country gained independence. He was a Danish architect who was very active in Malaya and Singapore. Berthel Michael Iversen was also the founder of the firm Iversen, Van Sitteren And Partners.
Hong Weng Kue was the individual responsible for managing all affairs at Panggung Lido since it opened in 1958. He was appointed as the manager of what was then the largest cinema in Perak.
Trapeze movie poster
Panggung Lido had a seating capacity of 1,215 people. According to records, the film titled Trapeze, starring Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, and Gina Lollobrigida, was the first movie ever screened at Panggung Lido.
However, after 43 years of operation, Panggung Lido officially closed on May 31, 2001. It was later converted into a Chinese restaurant and a snooker center, as we can see today at its original location on Jalan Datuk Onn Jaafar, Kampung Jawa, Ipoh.
