One of the city’s bingo halls, active for over a century, is likely to be lost after closing in March.
The Pavilion Theatre, known by locals as the Pivvy, is set to become a takeaway food outlet after its recent closure. The Toxteth-based entertainment hall has been in continual use since 1908 and has been used as a bingo hall since 1961.
Previously used as a theatre, the establishment on Lodge Lane has been used by locals for generations, but the recent situation around the world prompted the closure, which looks likely to be permanent. Staff were laid off at the end of March, but only on a temporary basis, although that now looks to be permanent as plans for the venue develop.
The fresh plans, submitted in September, will see the part of the building that was the caller’s booth converted to five separate kitchens, all of which would be providing a takeaway food service for which Lodge Lane has developed a reputation in recent years. Plans would include additional facilities, such as storage and changing rooms and would see the area further improved after CanCo’s recent installation of a retail development made from shipping containers.
Sadly, it means an end to bingo in the area, curtailing a 60-year tradition in the building. Bingo is still popular in Liverpool, with Bongo’s Bingo being one venue still attracting good crowds. It has diversified into virtual events, as well as adopting a fresh, young appeal which has drawn students in from around the city.
The game of bingo is experiencing something of a reputation change as it evolves for a modern audience, but the origins of the game go back deep into history. A feature on the game’s history by Foxy Bingo reveals that it can trace its roots back to the 1500s. However, it arrived in the UK in the 19th century and exploded in popularity, something which is still evident today. In post-war Britain is was particularly popular, and became synonymous with seaside towns, such as Southport, where bingo callers could be heard up and down the street.
Through the seventies and eighties, bingo became the bastion of housewives everywhere, and events could be found in halls up and down the country. Theatres were adapted, such as the ‘Pivvy’, whilst many games would be set up on trestle tables in village halls and town halls to cater to the needs of the locals.
In recent years, the demographic has changed, and bingo has become popular across all walks of life. Major brands have become involved and today’s bingo hall is filled with people of all ages. Dabbers, the pens traditionally used to block out numbers on a game card, are often replaced with advanced technology and the halls of old, such as the Pivvy, have either had to adapt or die off.
Whilst some older venues do struggle, the game itself is going from strength to strength and in some cities, it has found a trendy new crowd thanks to innovative games, pulsating contemporary music and other shows that turn a night at the bingo into a proper night out. That may no longer be the case for the Pivvy, but bingo-goers across the city can still get their fix of the age-old game if they so desire.
