Enfield Ritz

• Theatre ID
  1332
• Built / Converted
  1933
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Religious centre (Jehovah's Witnesses' Assembly Hall; cinema until 1974)
• Address
  174 Bowes Road, New Southgate, Enfield, London, N11, England

Details

Known as the Ritz, Bowes Road, the cinema is obscurely located behind a shopping parade, and at the side of a recreation ground. Built with full stage facilities, orchestra pit and Compton organ, it was run by ABC, but was not known as ABC until 1970. The cinema closed in 1974, and was acquired by the Jehova's Witnesses, whose use has preserved the auditorium and has led to almost perfect restoration, with only for minor modifications. The façe seems non-existent today, as entrance is from a back road behind a shopping area. The interior has a plain ceiling with a large circular area providing illumination. Each side of the proscenium are three abstract designs, lit by coved lighting from below. Ventilation grilles are unusually located in the ceiling in front of the proscenium instead of on the side walls. There was a wide passage at the rear of the stalls. In 1970, the stalls area was reseated, holding 588 and the balcony was no longer used; thus the original balcony seating remains in situ. The stage, fly area and dressing rooms are intact, though offices occupy some of the space backstage. The orchestra pit has been adapted to house a font, and the 'promenade' at the rear of the stalls has been levelled to form a meeting room, with glass front now separating it from the rest of the auditorium. Part of the foyer has been converted to kitchens. However, these are superficial alterations. The architectural character is well preserved.

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• Other names
  ABC, Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
• Events
  • 1933 Design/Construction:
    • Major W J King - Architect
  • 1970 - 0 Alteration: stalls converted to luxury lounge (architect unknown).
  • 1974 - 0 Alteration: superficial modifications for religious use (architect unknown).
  • 1933 Owner/Management: ABC, owners
  • 1970 - 1979 Owner/Management: Jehovah's Witnesses, owners
• Capacities
  • Original: 1870
  • Later: 1970: 588
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Pros flat
• Dimensions
  • Orchestra pit: Original