In 1969 the cinema was closed and heavily refurbished.
The facade was drastically altered into a more modern style.
 The original entrance doors and arches were removed.
 Two sets of the doors were replaced with more conventional glass ones and a large floor to ceiling window was installed.
The external brickwork was tiled over.
 A new readograph was installed above the entrance displaying what films were showing.
The original proscenium was removed along with the orchestra pit.
 The auditorium was painted black and 392 new seats were installed with red carpets and drapes to complement the decor.
The kiosk was relocated to the left of the foyer and the standing lounge was turned into store rooms.
  The building was also given central heating for the first time.

Seven light boxes were also installed along the side of the building displaying the new Essoldo name, with dark blue letters on an orange background.
The Playhouse name was dropped and it became known as the Essoldo Gerrards Cross.

The new Essoldo reopened on Saturday 29 November 1969, with a charity performance of the Battle of Britain, starring Laurence Olivier.
The guest of honour to the event was Air Chief Marshal Sir Gareth Clayton of the RAF.
In 1969 the cinema was closed and heavily refurbished. The facade was drastically altered into a more modern style.  The original entrance doors and arches were removed.  Two sets of the doors were replaced with more conventional glass ones and a large floor to ceiling window was installed. The external brickwork was tiled over.  A new readograph was installed above the entrance displaying what films were showing. The original proscenium was removed along with the orchestra pit.  The auditorium was painted black and 392 new seats were installed with red carpets and drapes to complement the decor. The kiosk was relocated to the left of the foyer and the standing lounge was turned into store rooms.   The building was also given central heating for the first time.
Seven light boxes were also installed along the side of the building displaying the new Essoldo name, with dark blue letters on an orange background. The Playhouse name was dropped and it became known as the Essoldo Gerrards Cross.
The new Essoldo reopened on Saturday 29 November 1969, with a charity performance of the Battle of Britain, starring Laurence Olivier. The guest of honour to the event was Air Chief Marshal Sir Gareth Clayton of the RAF.
Everyman Gerrards Cross