Memories of The Ritz and ABC in Warrington

Whether the Ritz, ABC or Mr Smith's, the looming art deco building close to the Mersey in Warrington town centre was instantly memorable.

And for many of you, it brings back many familiar moments.

Olwyn Foulkes (née Yates) has been in touch about her mum Kathy Yates.

She worked at the Ritz and then the ABC in the 1950s and 60s.

Life at the Ritz and ABC in Warrington

Kathy, who lived in Densham Avenue, started her career at the Ritz before it became the ABC in 1958.

She initially worked alongside Lily Robinson who then moved to America.

When the cinema became the ABC, she was in charge of the ice cream and kiosks.

She originally worked selling the Film Review in the foyer to cinema goers.

Life at the Ritz and ABC in Warrington

Her team, which included Jock and Albert, won regional contests for their performance.

Kathy won a watch which she treasured.

She would leave the ABC for a variety of jobs at Warrington Market.

Daughter Olwyn said "My mum worked at the Cinema for many years starting when it was the Ritz . I was a Minor and free ice cream was a treat."

The art deco building opened on August 23, 1937 as the Ritz Cinema, which was part of the Union Cinema Circuit, and was renamed ABC during 1958.

The cinema closed for development on August 19, 1972 for conversion to Cine/Bingo.

The bingo hall was built into the area of the old stalls and the new cinema was installed in the old circle.

The new complex reopened on December 7, 1972 and during November 1980 a second cinema was installed in the old restaurant area and was named ABC 2 with 90 seats.

However this was not a success with both cinemas closing on October 23, 1982.

But new life was soon breathed into the Bridge Foot building as Mr Smith’s night club was born and quickly became a top venue in the north west thanks to popular ITV programme Hitman and Her.

The venue was also used for wedding receptions around 1958 for five years in the restaurant.