The Broadway Wurlitzer Arrival Announcement

The Broadway welcomes a newly donated Wurlitzer cinema organ!

We are over the moon to announce the arrival of an original Wurlitzer cinema organ, donated by a private collector, for installation when the Broadway’s restoration is completed. Incredibly, this will ensure the Broadway will become the only cinema in Scotland to host a fully operational cinema organ… and in Scotland’s largest cinema auditorium!

The installation of the Wurlitzer at the Broadway will be the first ‘new’ installation of a cinema organ in a Scottish cinema since the golden age of the 1930s, and with it the Broadway will hold the potential for a rich variety of events and performances.

The organ has been delivered safely to the Broadway and will be available to view in-person at upcoming openings of the Broadway Cinema Experience!

The 'Mighty' Wurlitzer has arrived in Prestwick and although it may not play for a while, it will be on show to witness as it is restored.

We're delighted to confirm too that our Wurlitzer was originally installed at the Ritz Cinema in Luton, originally named the Union Cinema, which opened on 11th October 1937.

Installed as 3 Manual/8 Rank, the organ features the iconic ‘pillar & vase’ illuminated surround. ‘Pillar and Vase’ was the style of illuminated console that added to the drama and spectacle of the organ during musical performances.

The Broadway’s Wurlitzer was first played by H. Robinson Cleaver at the opening of the Union Cinema in 1937. The Union Cinema was renamed the Ritz Cinema in July 1949, and operated as a cinema until transitioning to bingo in the 1970s.

Originally developed to provide the musical accompaniment to silent films, Wurlitzer cinema organs were installed in the UK from the mid-1920s to late-1930s, and only a few dozen remain today in operation.

As with traditional pipe organs, theatre organs use pressurized air to produce music. However, a cinema organ can create a more rich, orchestral sound and incorporate percussion and sound-effects to mimic a live orchestra.

Wurlitzer cinema organs were built in North Tonawanda, New York, and shipped from America to Europe across the Atlantic for installation in UK cinemas and theatres.

The only other operational Wurlitzer in Scotland is found at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, with a regular programme of live performances including accompaniments to silent films, tea dances, and Christmas concerts.

With dazzling displays of light and sound, Wurlitzer organs become one-person orchestras! We are so fortunate to have this truly stunning piece of music and cinema history at home in the Broadway.

A truly historic day for the Broadway, Scottish cinema, and Wurlitzer cinema organs.

We can't for you all to see it!