Ritz Theatre
The Esplanade,
Weymouth,
DT4 8ED
The Esplanade,
Weymouth,
DT4 8ED
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Additional Info
Previous Names: Pavilion Theatre
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Located in the seaside town of Weymouth, Dorset. The Pavilion Theatre was opened in 1908, and was screening films as part of the programme in January 1909. It was operating as a cinema by 1937. It was equipped with a British Thomson Houston(BTH) sound system. Still open in 1944, it had closed as a cinema by 1947, and was in use as a live theatre. In 1950 it was re-named Ritz Theatre presenting live shows and films. It was destroyed by fire in 1954.
A new Pavilion Complex was built in 1960, presenting summer season shows, pantomime, concerts etc. Operated by Weymouth Council, it was closed at the end of May 2013, and was taken over by a new operator, reopening in September 2013.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 2 comments)
This venue has now re-opened under Trust ownership and it’s status should be returned to “Open”. Weymouth Pavilion is run by a community interest company.
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council has awarded the lease for Weymouth Pavilion (opens in a new window) to a not-for-profit-organisation.
Councillors meeting at the Management Committee on 19 June 2013 agreed to award the lease to Mr Phil Say, who has set up a Community Interest Company.
The council agreed to enter into a 10 year lease with the Community Interest Company based on terms agreed at its April Management Committee, and also subject to: •A £150,000 loan by the council, repayable on terms included in the 19 June Management Committee report •A fixed annual contribution from the council of £30,000 •The council awards 80 per cent discretionary rate relief •The Community Interest Company meets the costs of car parking permits for staff and volunteers •The Council meets liabilities that may arise from any staff issues (TUPE) related to the previous council-operated facility http://www.weymouthpavilion.com/
At http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/WeymouthTheatres.htm#pav the history is more detailed. The 1908 theatre depicted was destroyed by a fire in 1954. Another theatre was built on the site (1958-1960) and opened in 1960.