Life in the Aisles: Usherettes in 1920s Britain — and in Poole of Light

In the 1920s, a trip to the cinema was more than an evening’s entertainment – it was an event. For a few pence, you could be transported from the slog of everyday life into worlds of romance, adventure and glamour.

But before the flicker of the first title card, there was another presence setting the scene – the usherette.

Guiding Lights of the Picture Palace

Dressed in crisp, tailored uniforms – perhaps in the cinema’s own colours or with a dash of theatrical flair – usherettes were both practical guides and symbols of glamour. Torch in hand, they guided latecomers to their seats, sold programmes, chocolates, cigarettes and sixpenny ices, and ensured the magic on screen wasn’t spoiled by whispered conversations or oversized hats.

For young women, the job offered more than a wage. It was a place in the bright, modern world, a chance to watch the latest films before anyone else, and a working day surrounded by music, laughter and style. Friendships, romances and the occasional brush with visiting stars added to the allure – though the reality could also mean late hours, sore feet and dealing with unruly patrons fresh from the pub.

From History into Fiction

When writing my debut historical novel Poole of Light, I wanted the opening of the Dalman Picture House in 1929 Leeds to feel alive with the excitement – and the small, unseen dramas – of a real cinema premiere. Usherettes in smart uniforms and polished shoes add to the sense of occasion, their presence a reminder that a cinema is as much about people as it is about pictures.

In the novel, they’re more than decoration – their role on the night hints at the ways glamour, spectacle and human connection can collide in unexpected moments.

Why They Still Matter

The 1920s usherette was more than just a guide to your seat. She was part of the magic, a symbol of cinema’s golden age – the first to greet you, the last to see you out, and a reminder that behind every film was a human touch.

When you next take your seat in a cinema, spare a thought for those women who once lit the way – their torches casting small but steady beams, much like the stories that danced across the silver screen.

Step into the Story

If you’d like to step inside a cinema on the cusp of the talkie revolution – and into the lives of the people who made those nights unforgettable – Poole of Light is available as an eBook for pre-order on Amazon and will be released on September 16, 2025.

The usherettes are waiting to light the way.