Curious about the last 1950s ballroom in London? You are standing in front of the Rivoli Ballroom. The Rivoli Ballroom is not just a building. It is a time capsule. It is a place where memories are made.
Originally, this site housed the Crofton Park Picture Palace. It opened in July 1913. Henley Attwater designed it with a simple barrel-vaulted auditorium. In 1929, it was renamed The Rivoli Cinema.
The last film was shown here on March 2 1957. Local businessman Leonard Tomlin then converted it into a dance hall. The Rivoli reopened on Boxing Day 1959. It featured a large Canadian sprung maple dance floor. A Member’s Bar was added in 1960. Today, Bill Mannix owns this iconic venue.
The Rivoli Ballroom’s exterior showcases Art Deco influences. The Brockley Road frontage dates back to 1931. A broad flight of steps leads to a deep-recessed central foyer. Pilasters topped with plasterwork urns mark the elevation. Two signs read Dancing and Tonight.
Step inside the Rivoli Ballroom. An eclectic mix of neo-classical Deco and oriental motifs awaits. The interior design largely reflects the 1950s. The main auditorium ceiling is a remnant from its cinema days. The foyer has a raked floor and Deco-style marquetry paneling. Dark wood inlay accentuates the geometric composition. A diamond shape in glass or mirror adorns the center.
The ballroom itself is a large auditorium. It features a shallow barrel-vaulted ceiling. There is a raised viewing dais, stage, proscenium and fixed banquettes. The sprung maple dance floor invites you to dance. Red velour padded walls create a flamboyant effect. Gilt picture-frame style panels decorate the pilasters. Scallop-shaped lights illuminate the space. French chandeliers and Chinese lanterns add to the atmosphere.
Two bars run the length of the hall. One dates from 1958. The other is from 1960. The 1958 bar features booths and tables with leather upholstery. It resembles a railway carriage. The bar’s front has a tiled front of Arabesque interlaced patterns. Exotic saucer-shaped lamps provide lighting. These lamps display Georgian and oriental patterns. The paneling motif from the foyer continues on doors. This includes the ladies powder room and the gentleman’s cloakroom. Signage throughout the building appears contemporary with the late 1950s refurbishment.
The Rivoli Ballroom has served as a backdrop for numerous films and music videos. Tina Turner filmed her Private Dancer video here. Elton John’s I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues video was also shot here in 1983. The White Stripes Florence + the Machine and Kings of Leon have performed here. Avengers: Age of Ultron and The Infiltrator also used the Rivoli as a filming location.
On December 21 2007 the building received Grade II-listed status. This was a response to concerns about a possible sale. The listing recognized its special architectural and historic interest. It is a rare surviving example of a 1950s dance hall in a former cinema.
The Rivoli Ballroom stands as a testament to a bygone era. Its flamboyant interior and rich history make it a unique landmark. As you leave take with you the echoes of music and laughter. The Rivoli Ballroom a place where memories twirl on.