'I spent many hours there dancing': Readers share their memories of Nottingham's old PRYZM nightclub


Last week we visited Nottingham for a day out on patch and were left feeling sad when we saw that nothing has yet been done with PRYZM.
Once a shining example of Nottingham’s nightlife, the building now stands empty and abandoned.
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Hide AdIn the daylight, the impressive building is a reminder of Nottingham’s struggling economy and by night it stands as a reminder that we’re not as young as we used to be.
Gone are the days when we’d stumble out of PRYZM and onto the streets marching toward the nearest kebab shop.
It makes us sad that the new student cohorts won’t get to experience all it once had to offer.
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Hide AdYesterday, we published a photo gallery showing the empty building on Lower Parliament Street.
The article was met with sad replies from readers, who shared their memories of the famous club with us.
As with many nightclubs, the building has gone by various names over the years including Palais and Ritzy’s.
We decided to share a few of the comments that made us smile and remember how nights out in Nottingham used to be.
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Hide AdTracey Reader said: “My Mum & Dad met there in the 1950s, they always used to talk about the revolving dance floor. It would be a shame if the building got demolished for another concrete eyesore...”
Jayne Shepherd wrote: “It was Palais dance in my day it was great, I have great memories would be a shame to knock it down.”
Graham Shaw commented: “Loved that place through my teen years and the northern soul dayers [sic] and nights had a large proper dance floor and a brilliant atmosphere sad to see how it's ended up.”
Tina Jayne Roberts said: “That used to be the Palais! I spent many hours there dancing, upstairs in the main ballroom, doing Latin American and ballroom and downstairs all the really latest dances! Used to love it!”
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Steve Tallet recalled: “My Late wife and I had our first date there in 1977 brilliant venue with live music and disco downstairs, happy days.”
Eileen Marley said: “Had many happy hours here, back in the 70s”.
Angela Smith said: “Great memories of going to the Zone on a Monday here.”
Revolving dance floor
Bev Day wrote: “Heartbreaking. It would be a crying shame to lose this building, I have wonderful memories of this place the bands were amazing great atmosphere, the revolving dance floor downstairs, and the food was great too. This building needs saving, if not for dancing, then for restaurants or shops.”
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Hide AdWendy Tomlinson reminisced: “I remember seeing Peter Powell and Mud there in the late 1970's (Radio Luxembourg Roadshow). Such a beautiful building - hope it doesn't become derelict.”
Sheena Butler said: “I used to go to it in the early 90's every week. It was Ritzy's back then and the vibes were amazing. Occasionally had live bands but over all the music was very 90's. There was also a V.I.P section and it was great to enjoy a birthday treat with friends. I also enjoyed meeting boyfriends or married men. (Whoops!)
“It's a shame it's left. Turn it into a club for the over 35's and put music from 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's on. Let us oldies enjoy the club scene again and rekindle our youth. It would make a killing and create employment and good for social setting to reduce mental health/anxiety of everyday stresses.”


We dressed to impress
Sadie Moody wrote: “We went in 80s and 90s. Ritzy and Palais Dance floor downstairs too, good food, groups, awesome DJs, good memories with my BFF Marie. I hope it’s a saved building, it’s iconic for Nottingham.” Debbie Croshaw said: “First went 1984 Ritzy always dressed to impress. Made your way down the staircase to the revolving dance floor always so busy!! And upstairs to the top bars, had my hen do 93 Edwin Starr was on stage.”
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Hide AdJane Hughes wrote: “Great rock nights at the Palais in the 80s.”
Grant Mirtle said: “During World War 2 my grandmother was stationed in Nottingham and would go dancing there with the Yanks from the nearest airfield.”
Share your memories with us over on Facebook or by emailing [email protected]
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