The original architect is listed as being a local company H Mayo & Son.
The upper levels seem to have been converted into offices known as Scala House suggesting that the auditorium was gutted after closure. Windows have been inserted in the side walls. There is no trace of the original left in the amusement arcade.
Two photos of the Ritz taken in November 2010, the building is boarded up and is for sale with a national retailer apparently interested in the building.
I would far rather the name remained as the last cinema name, instead of chopping and changing with the latest nightclub / retail store moniker, which as no meaning on the CT site.
One of the flickr photos above suggests a date of 1952 and originally a two screen cinema Europa and Esplanade. I would guess that would be about the time it was built, judging purely by the architecture and history of post-war reconstruction of Frankfurt.
This is a fairly old multiplex. Back in the 1980’s it was still a 9 screen complex with the screens going under a variety of names (all beginning with the letter “E”):-
Europa; Elite; Esplanade 1 & 2; Elysee 1 & 2; Eden; Espirit 1 & 2. Whether the ‘1 & 2’ versions were sub-divisions of an earlier larger screen I do not know. It was also known as the Hauptwache Centre for a time.
A two year reprieve has been announced securing the theatres future through to the Autumn of 2012. In the meantime options of restoring and retaining the theatre by a Trust are to be prepared.
The original architect is listed as being a local company H Mayo & Son.
The upper levels seem to have been converted into offices known as Scala House suggesting that the auditorium was gutted after closure. Windows have been inserted in the side walls. There is no trace of the original left in the amusement arcade.
Exterior photos (November 2010):–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5181422106/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5180822207/
Some recent exterior photographs here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5188736161/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5188735969/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5189336754/
An image from 1989 here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1170130441/
Two photos of the Ritz taken in November 2010, the building is boarded up and is for sale with a national retailer apparently interested in the building.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5180822869/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5180822631/
The English Heritage listing report can be viewed here – some good indication of the style of the building:–
View link
Photos taken November 2010:–
Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5170812529/
Auditorium:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5170813287/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5171414986/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5170812919/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5171414520/
The Palace was reported as being demolished in October 2010.
Two further images:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/137523069/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/137523070/
One of London’s most civilised places to watch a film:–
Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5141885935/
Auditorium:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5141886345/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5142489426/
Two views after the Bingo had closed :–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1193485690/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1193485222/
A night shot of the Charing Cross Road entrance here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5130653901/
Another photo taken whilst still a cinema:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/336474144/
Thanks for changing the name! The text clearly shows what it is call now but finding the theatre in the list really does require the cinema name. :–)
Anyway notwithstanding the name, here are two photos of the exterior for differing times:–
1970:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1171357606/
1990:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/138626959/
I would far rather the name remained as the last cinema name, instead of chopping and changing with the latest nightclub / retail store moniker, which as no meaning on the CT site.
A shot of the rear of the Westminster showing the flytower and dressing rooms:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5083423722/
Two photos of the Forum being demolished:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5083424050/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5082827743/
Photo from circa 1984 here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/141621222/
One of the flickr photos above suggests a date of 1952 and originally a two screen cinema Europa and Esplanade. I would guess that would be about the time it was built, judging purely by the architecture and history of post-war reconstruction of Frankfurt.
This is a fairly old multiplex. Back in the 1980’s it was still a 9 screen complex with the screens going under a variety of names (all beginning with the letter “E”):-
Europa; Elite; Esplanade 1 & 2; Elysee 1 & 2; Eden; Espirit 1 & 2. Whether the ‘1 & 2’ versions were sub-divisions of an earlier larger screen I do not know. It was also known as the Hauptwache Centre for a time.
Another pre-renovation photo here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/392159089/
Glad to see this cinema has survived!
In 1986 as the Kino Center:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/392159088/
I believe that the Jason Donovan video of “Any Dream Will Do” was filmed in the Westminster Theatre.
A two year reprieve has been announced securing the theatres future through to the Autumn of 2012. In the meantime options of restoring and retaining the theatre by a Trust are to be prepared.
View link
Interior shot of stage boxes and circle here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5067272876/
A shot of the Prince of Wales Theatre, next to the Philharmonic Hall, here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5066661745/