Ritz Cinema
Upton Street,
Workington,
CA14 2BJ
Upton Street,
Workington,
CA14 2BJ
2 people
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Graves Cinemas Ltd.
Architects: Tom Nicholson
Styles: Art Deco
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Located on the corner of Murray Road and Upton Street in Workington. Probably Cumbria’s most luxurious cinema, the Ritz Cinema opened on 26th September 1938 with Deanna Durbin in “Mad About Music”, with seating for 1,400 in stalls and balcony. It was designed by local architect Tom Nicholson and had a foyer lined with Australian Walnut panelling and chrome fittings. The auditorium had troughs containing concealed lighting in the ceiling. It was equipped with a Wurlitzer 3Manual/5Rank organ which had an illuminated console on a lift. The organ was opened by Harry Croft. The instrument was originally installed in the Niles Theatre, New Ulm, Minnesota, USA.
Operated throughout its life by Graves Cinemas Ltd., the Ritz Cinema was tripled by them and reopened on 17th May 1982 with two mini-cinemas situated under the balcony. The circle continued as Screen 1 with no apparent alteration, using the original projection box and screen.
However, in a small town this still proved too large, and the Ritz Cinema closed on 28th February 1988 and was demolished the following month. A good send off was provided with the 1945 film Gene Kelly in “Anchors Aweigh” and a short stage interlude. The organ had been removed some years earlier, has been restored and is in private hands. Other Art Deco style artefacts were rescued from the building before the wrecking crew moved in. A parade of shops now occupy the site.
Contributed by
Ian Grundy
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
Photo (not mine) here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_rat/869075993/
Such a treat to find this picture, it was designed by my Grandfather, Tom Nicholson, who died of a heart attack about a year after it was opened. My mother was 5 when he died so doesn’t remember him at all. This is therefore very precious. Very sad that it was demolished too.
Site now a parade of shops.