Ritz Cinema

93 Central Promenade,
Blackpool, FY1 5AA

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: J.F. Emery Circuit, Union Cinema Co. Ltd.

Architects: Francis Edison Drury, Joseph G. Gomersall, William Thornley

Firms: Drury & Gomersall

Previous Names: Central Beach Cinema, Trocadero Cinema, New Ritz Cinema

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Ritz Cinema

Located on Central Promenade, opposite the Central Pier. The Central Beach Cinema was opened on 17th May 1913. In around 1920, it was re-named Trocadero Cinema and alterations were carried out by architect William Thornley (his first assignment).

It was closed in 1927, and taken over by the local Fylde Cinemas chain. Showing films and occasional variety shows, it closed again in 1929.

Taken over by the Union Cinemas chain in 1935, it was remodelled to the plans of architectural firm Drury & Gomersall and re-named Ritz Cinema which re-opened on 23rd June 1935 with Joan Blondell in “Dames”. When Union Cinemas chain crashed in 1937, unlike all their other cinemas which were taken over by Associated British Cinemas(ABC), the Ritz Cinema was taken over by J.F. Emery Circuit. It was closed again by 1939.

Fylde Cinemas chain took over again in 1947, reopening as the New Ritz Cinema, later becoming the Ritz Cinema again.

The Ritz Cinema was closed in 1971, and became a cafe, and a discotheque in the basement. Today it operates as an amusement arcade, with a bier keller in the basement.

Contributed by Ken Roe

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

Biffaskin
Biffaskin on August 8, 2023 at 1:01 pm

Somewhat at odds to the above text, the 1944 KYB lists the proprietors as being Union Cinemas Ltd., Union House, 15, Regent Street, London, SW1.

Mike_Blakemore
Mike_Blakemore on August 8, 2023 at 1:12 pm

Biffaskin. Take care with KYB They were never unreliable in keeping it up to date.

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