A CINEMATIC revolution

brixton is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse areas of London, and has managed to retain this reputation despite the gentrification process which it, and many areas of London, has undergone over the past decade or so. However, one aspect of Brixton which has remained steadfast despite these ongoing changes is the Ritzy Picturehouse: one of London’s best loved and most popular cinemas, which has taken pride of place in the centre of Brixton for 103 years.

Built in 1911 as ‘The Electric Pavillion’, the Ritzy was one of England’s first cinemas, able to seat 750 people and complete with an organ to provide accompanying music to its largely silent pictures. Following several refurbishments and re-brandings, ‘The Little Bit Ritzy’ was opened in 1978, offering its services as an ‘art cinema’ by showing interesting and unusual films as well as box office releases, alongside home-made cakes and groovy decor. The trend for ‘art cinemas’ is one which has swept the UK, transforming the average trip to see the latest blockbuster into a unique cultural experience which encompasses art, music, theatre and film.

The Ritzy embodies this experience in its wide-ranging selection of movies – from the latest releases to lesser known ‘indie flicks’ and old black-and-white film classics – and events such as exclusive Q&A sessions with directors, producers and cast members, and live screenings of National Theatre productions, which change the very meaning of going to the cinema.

“Built in 1911, the Ritzy was one of England’s first cinemas

These cinema experiences are not only intended for film-enthusiasts, instead the Ritzy’s various ‘clubs’ aim to bring in those who might not usually make it to the movies so easily. The ‘Silver Screen’, for example, is exclusively for the over- 60s and features cheaper tickets and free tea and biscuits; while the ‘Big Scream’ is an innovative (and wittily named) way to include parents with young babies: family-friendly films are shown in a dimly-lit room with nappy changing facilities. This enables parents who would usually fear disturbing other viewers to still be a part of the invigorating delights of cinema. Autism-friendly screenings, in which lights are left on and sound is lowered are another way in which the Ritzy is leading this quiet, inclusive, inventive cinema revolution.

All this, in addition to a live music venue named Upstairs, which functions as a platform for local musicians and those in the wider London area, make the Ritzy a space for community in cosy, intimate surroundings – a stark contrast to faceless cinema corporations. Over the past century, the Ritzy has evolved into much more than just a cinema: it is a symbol of history and culture in one of London’s most diverse areas, and which looks set to continue to stand the test of time.

The Ritzy Picturehouse
Brixton Oval
Coldharbour Lane
SW2 1JG
t: 0871 902 5739
w: www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Ritzy_Picturehouse

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