The Empire, Regal and Ritz Cinema's, Grays.

The Empire, Grays.

The Empire was in Grays High Street and opened on December 22nd 1910 and seated 800.

          It was used solely at first as a cinema but then also as a venue for variety performances, it was refurbished in 1941 but closed in 1942 and was used by the Ministry of Food as a store, it became a greengrocers and was then used as a Tesco's supermarket. The Empire was finally demolished as part of Grays shopping centre.

Hi Steve.
I have just found your web site and just to say how much I enjoyed it. So many of the places I had forgotten. Made me remember when I used to queue by the side of the Empire to watch the Saturday morning 'Cliff Hangers' -  cost one penny.   Brought back many memories to me. I would like to compliment you on the amount of work you have put into it
Best wishes,
Mrs.J.E.Stephens

The Regal, Grays.

The Regal was situated in New Road, Grays and opened in December 1930 with seating for 1,490, like the Empire it was used for variety performances as well as cinema.

                    The Regal closed in 1960 to open again as a bowling alley but closed soon after, it was demolished to make way for housing.

The photograph above shows the Regal Cinema staff circa 1940. The gentleman second from the left is "Lofty" Reeve who emigrated with his family to Australia in 1951. Prior to emigrating Lofty and his family lived in the Old High Street. the above picture sent from Australia by Lofty's son Gino Reeve-many thanks.

The Ritz, Grays.

The Ritz opened on the 25th of November 1940 and seated 1,500, it was taken over by Frederick's Electric Theatres in July 1941 when the nearby State Cinema closed for refurbishment.

                The Ritz continued under Frederick's until 1976 when it was purchased by Mecca and reopened as a bingo hall to this day under the Rank Organisation's management.