Our Story

The Electric Pavilion opened on 11 March 1911 and was one of England's earliest purpose-built cinemas, seating over 750 in its grand auditorium. It was seen as a 'scruffy relation' to the nearby Palladium and was known as the 'flea pit'.

In 1976 the cinema closed and came close to demolition. However, collaboration between Lambeth Council and the management saw the venue reopen as an arts cinema with the name Little Bit Ritzy, from which the present name is derived. In 1994 four screens, a bar and a café were added. 

Today the cinema is a popular and much-loved destination for film-lovers at the heart of a bright and bustling Brixton scene. The Ritzy's Edwardian exterior and main auditorium remain intact and stand as an impressive example of early cinema architecture.

The downstairs restaurant-bar offers a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, while Upstairs at the Ritzy is a live events venue that's a well-known and well-loved cultural hub for Brixton. 

Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton
Brixton Oval
Coldharbour Lane
London
SW2 1JG

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices vary. Please check the specific film and time you are interested in attending for prices.

Please note that peak or altered pricing may apply for certain films, special events and holiday periods. More information on pricing is available in our FAQs and Terms & Conditions.

We add a 70p booking fee per ticket (excluding tickets for Picturehouse Members) to bookings made online or over the phone. This fee doesn't apply to tickets you buy in person at the cinema.

3D films may cost £1.30 extra per person, not including 3D glasses (you can buy these at the cinema for an extra £1, free for Members, or bring your own).

*Family tickets are for four people, at least two of whom must be under 15. Not applicable to premium-priced screenings.


Have a question about our prices? We might have the answer in our FAQs.


Happy Mondays

All day every Monday (excluding bank holidays), you can enjoy great value tickets with Happy Mondays.

Picturehouse Members get to save even more. Please check Monday listings for details.



Clubs & Groups

Relaxed Screenings

Relaxed screenings are specially designed to make cinema-going easier and more accessible to those who may need additional support when they visit. These screenings are ideal for neurodivergent audiences of all ages, those living with dementia, and their families, friends, and carers, but all are welcome.

Relaxed screenings will show films without adverts or trailers. Lights are left on low, the volume is reduced, and the audience is free to move around and take breaks from the screen whenever needed.

We typically show:        
A classic film every last Friday of the month (with interval)

Whilst we do our best to ensure these screenings happen consistently, please note that on occasion the regular slot may change. Make sure to check local listings ahead of your screening.


Watch with Baby  

The Watch with Baby club is for parents and guardians with babies under one year old. Watch with Baby at the Ritzy takes place on Monday mornings.

Babies go free. Adults are only admitted if accompanying a baby.


Kids' Club  

The Kids' Club is every Saturday at 11.00. Doors open at 10.30.

Adults are only admitted if accompanying a child.


Toddler Time   

Join us Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 11.00 for 30 minutes of episodes for preschool children and their parents and carers.

A great way to introduce your toddler to the experience of the cinema!


Discover / Rediscover   

New and classic films on the big screen where they belong.


Silver Screen   

Silver Screen is a free-to-join club for the over-60s. Enjoy discounted tickets and free tea and filter coffee at our Silver Screen shows.

Silver Screen runs Thursdays before 17.00. Non-members are welcome - the usual ticket prices apply.

Click here for upcoming screenings.


Screen Arts   

Ticket prices vary.

Bringing world-class productions of theatre, ballet, opera and live music to the big screen.


U25 

U25 is for anyone ages 16–25. Signing up to U25 is FREE.  Members have access to discounted tickets at any time Monday to Thursday when booked online and via the Picturehouse App only.

Location

Travel Information

By Bus

The following bus routes run close to the cinema: 2, 3, 35, 45, 109, 118, 133, 159, 196, 250, 322, 345, 355, P4, P5, N2, N3, N35, N37, N109.

By Train

The nearest train station is Brixton Railway Station (5-minute walk).

By Tube

The nearest tube station is Brixton (2-minute walk, Victoria line).

By Car

For parking information please visit lambeth.gov.uk.

Nearest KIA Charging Station: Opposite Matlock House, Rushcroft Road, SW2 1JH (Type 2)

Ritzy Gallery

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Ritzy Gallery