Although the new Odeon building next to the Ipswich Regent may have been vacant for the past 11 years, it was once the place for blockbuster movies.

Ipswich Star: Mecca Bingo in Lloyds Avenue, IpswichMecca Bingo in Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich

The five-screen cinema, which had opened in 1991, closed in 2005 and recently sold at auction by Savills.

Ipswich Star: The Odeon remains boarded upThe Odeon remains boarded up

The cinema replaced the former Odeon cinema in Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich, which was built in 1936, the building is now occupied by Mecca Bingo.

Ipswich Star: Elliot the dragon at the Odeon Cinema in December 1978Elliot the dragon at the Odeon Cinema in December 1978 (Image: Archant)

Here we look back at the history of the original Odeon as we reach O in our A-Z review of the history of Ipswich.

Ipswich Star: Elliot the dragon at the Odeon Cinema in December 1978Elliot the dragon at the Odeon Cinema in December 1978 (Image: Archant)

The photos above show a fiery dragon being towed past the Odeon to mark the Disney release Pete’s Dragon.

Ipswich Star: Kangaroo outside Odeon Cinema in February 1979Kangaroo outside Odeon Cinema in February 1979 (Image: Archant)

And here a boxing kangaroo helps draw crowds to another new release - Matilda, featuring a boxing kangaroo.

Ipswich Star: Kangaroo outside Odeon Cinema in February 1979Kangaroo outside Odeon Cinema in February 1979 (Image: Archant)

Were you one of the children taking on the kangaroo?

Ipswich Star: Kangaroo outside Odeon Cinema in February 1979Kangaroo outside Odeon Cinema in February 1979 (Image: Archant)

Here we see Sir Bobby Robson being officially presented with the film reel of the FA Cup winning match in 1978.

Ipswich Star: Presentation for Bobby Robson at the Odeon Cinema in May 1978Presentation for Bobby Robson at the Odeon Cinema in May 1978 (Image: Archant)

Sir Bobby had lead his team to victory that season, eventually beating against Arsenal in the FA Cup final.

Ipswich Star: Presentation for Bobby Robson at the Odeon Cinema in May 1978Presentation for Bobby Robson at the Odeon Cinema in May 1978 (Image: Archant)

He is seen here signing autographs during his visit to the Odeon.

Ipswich Star: Queues for tickets to see Max Boyce at the Odeon in February 1980Queues for tickets to see Max Boyce at the Odeon in February 1980 (Image: Archant)

These photos were taken in 1980 and show fans of Max Boyce queuing for tickets outside the Odeon.

Ipswich Star: Queues for tickets to see Max Boyce at the Odeon in February 1980Queues for tickets to see Max Boyce at the Odeon in February 1980 (Image: Archant)

Let us know if you can be seen in the queues.

Do you remember any famous showings at the Odeon?

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Earlier this week we featured old photos of Northgate High School, see here and last week we featured Miss Anglia.