Sadly the Buzz Bingo operation has now closed which means the whole building is now unoccupied. This has brought 86 continuous years of entertainment use to an end. The 3 screen cinema operation under Odeon having closed in Sept 2003.
The Ritz had a Wurlitzer organ 3manual 8rank organ which was the exact same as the Ritz, Barnsley. Only 2 of that specification were ever made. No Compton was ever in this Ritz cinema.
Sadly the Buzz Bingo operation has now closed which means the whole building is now unoccupied. This has brought 86 continuous years of entertainment use to an end. The 3 screen cinema operation under Odeon having closed in Sept 2003.
If anyone can source a photograph of this cinema, please feel free to upload it/them, many thanks 😊
With thanks to Mr.Paul Atkins of the Historic Aldershot Military Town Facebook group for information about this early cinema.
New photo added. The Manor Park Pavilion girl’s choir who went on to win the National final of the 1952 Christmas carol singing contest.
The Pavilion girl’s choir went on to win the National final of the Carol singing contest!
Sauna use has closed down as from 08/01/23
The Ritz had a Wurlitzer organ 3manual 8rank organ which was the exact same as the Ritz, Barnsley. Only 2 of that specification were ever made. No Compton was ever in this Ritz cinema.
New photo & comment added under the photo tab
Announced today that this Odeon will close on 27th Feb 2022. Site is being redevloped (mixed use) a new cinema is part of the plans.
View of auditorium prior to demolition 1960 uploaded
I recall the Plaza being a dance hall/disco & music venue in the early 1970’s
1966 photo added
New photo added
Photo added
The site of the demolished Savoy Cinema became a petrol station and has been known as Savoy petrol station for nearly 60 years
Darwen is not part of Greater Manchester. It is part of the unitary authority council of Blackburn with Darwen
2 photos added: program 6 March 1956
3 new colour photos of the auditorium prior to the conversion for night club use in 1987
Photo of the Purple Picture Palace uploaded. Entrance was in Arnside St.
3 new photos added
New photo added approximately 1921/22 film showing was Queen of Sheba which was released in 1921
New photo added of Cat Stevens on stage in 1967
New photo added from 1956
Photo of the foyer uploaded
3 new photos uploaded showing the demolition of the Rex cinema in 1968