The Ritz Bingo & Social Club was originally a 1,062 seat cinema, designed by architects Percy Lindsey Browne & Son of Newcastle, and built in the Art Deco style. It opened in November 1936 with Laurel & Hardy in “The Bohemian Girl”.
The opening was a glittering occasion, and the enormous white building was floodlit. Staff in smart uniforms lined up on the front steps, a commissionaire stood in full uniform with gold braid and brass buttons, and the manager wore full evening dress.
After opening speeches, velvet curtains swept open to the music of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, following which the projectionist set to work, and Laurel and Hardy gave their all.
Opening Hours
Monday : 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Tuesday : 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Wednesday : 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Thursday : 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday : 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday : 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday : 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm
