Barrow-in-Furness, a town forged in the fires of industry, yearned for a touch of glamour. Enter the Ritz Cinema, a grand Art Deco landmark that graced Abbey Road and Holker Street from 1936 to 1999. More than just a picture house, the Ritz became a cultural hub, offering a dazzling escape from the everyday.
Opening Night and Beyond (1936-1999)
Unveiled with a flourish on 14th September 1936 by Union Cinemas, the Ritz promised an unmatched cinematic experience. The air crackled with anticipation as the first patrons, dressed in their finest attire, stepped through the grand entrance. Inside, the Art Deco elegance shone through – plush velvet seating in rich crimson hues, gleaming chrome accents that caught the light, and the scent of freshly polished wood mingling with the aroma of popcorn. A magnificent 3/6 Compton organ, its pipes gleaming under the spotlight, filled the auditorium with a rich, velvety sound, setting the mood for expectant moviegoers.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the Ritz offered the latest films on the silver screen, transporting audiences to fantastical worlds and captivating them with gripping stories. The flicker of the projector cast dancing shadows on the walls, while the immersive sound system brought every whisper and explosion to life.
For over six decades, the Ritz remained a beloved venue for Barrow residents. It became a place for families to share popcorn and laughter, teenagers to steal their first kisses in the darkened back rows, and film buffs to lose themselves in cinematic masterpieces. The gentle hum of the projector, the rustle of sweet wrappers, and the collective gasps of the audience became the soundtrack of countless shared memories.
The Final Curtain (1999)
As the 20th century drew to a close, the era of single-screen cinemas began to fade. The rise of multiplexes, with their wider variety of films and modern amenities, proved too strong a competitor.
With a heavy heart, the Ritz closed its doors for the final time in February 1999. The owners, seeking a larger market share, shifted their focus to the Apollo multiplex at Hollywood Park. The once-vibrant foyer fell silent, the velvet seats lay empty, and the grand organ played no more.
A New Chapter and a Lasting Memory
Unlike many cherished buildings, the Ritz wasn’t preserved. After its closure, it was demolished to make way for a new development.
Today, the site on Abbey Road is occupied by Emlyn Hughes House, a four-storey office building named after the legendary footballer from Barrow-in-Furness.
A Legacy in Memory:
Though the physical structure is gone, the Ritz Cinema remains a cherished memory for generations of Barrow residents. It stands as a testament to the town’s love of entertainment and serves as a reminder of a bygone era where the silver screen held a captivating magic.
Do you have any memories of the Ritz Cinema, perhaps from before its demolition? Send us an email at info@furness-whisper.uk or send us a message through our contact page. We’d love to hear your stories and help keep the legacy of the Ritz alive.