Tivoli Cinema
Fraser Road,
Erith,
DA8
Fraser Road,
Erith,
DA8
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Additional Info
Architects: F.W. Pamplin
Functions: Religious Services
Previous Names: Tower Cinema, Rialto Cinema, Rex Cinema
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Located in Erith, Kent, just a short distance from town centre towards Belvedere, on the corner of Fraser Road and Riversdale Road. The Tower Cinema was opened on 12th November 1923. It was a conversion of a former Primitive Methodist Church which had been built in 1900. Alteration plans were attributed to F.W. Pamplin of Abbey Wood. The proscenium was only 12 feet wide.
In 1932 it was equipped for ‘talkies’ and was re-named Rialto Cinema. At the beginning of World War II in 1939, it was re-named Rex Cinema. Around 1946, it was re-named Tivoli Cinema.
The Tivoli Cinema was closed on 25th February 1956 with Clark Gable in "Mogambo" and Ward Bond in "Gypsy Colt". It was converted into a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, and has been well maintained, although slightly altered. The Jehovah’s Witness’s moved out and by 2016 it is used by a religious order.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
The architect was FW Pamplin of Abbey Wood. John Watsham who took over in 1946 discovered the cinema was used as a morgue in the war. This was to dampen down patronage so he tried to dispose of it!
The Jehovahs have moved out and it s now some spiritual movement called Sant Nirankari Satsang Bhawan with a Centre of Oneness.
Used to gain access to the long closed cinema in the 70’s on occasion when the main doors were broken open. Facinating place inside and very dark/scary for young kids! I remeber the foyer/box office, stalls and stairs up to the offices, projection booth and circle. When the Jehovas purchased it the local kids were invited in to help renovate the place (couldn’t see that happening today!). They took the roof off and gutted the place out. Shame really as there were still many original features/artifacts there. Most went into the skip. I managed to save a few things!