50,000 film fans have visited our restored cinema (From Cotswold Journal)

50,000 film fans have visited our restored cinema

1:00pm Friday 17th August 2012 in News By Sarah Taylor

MORE than 50,000 people have poured through the doors of the Regal Cinema in Evesham since its grand reopening six months ago.

The historic Port Street venue is back in business after a two-and-a-half year restoration project that was finished in January, and bosses say it has gone from strength to strength since then.

Now cinema chiefs are attempting an audacious bid to boost the site’s profile even more by getting celebrities to stage concerts – including Welsh singing star Charlotte Church, with talks ongoing over a possible appearance.

Alternative rock band Toploader has signed up for an appearance in December.

And the owners have also revealed details of exciting expansion plans to cater for more punters.

Laurence Wiper, whose family own the cinema, said: “When we screened The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel we had more than 10,000 people in to view it. That was more than two per cent of the national admissions for that film.

“As a single screen independent it’s been a struggle to get the big films, but our success has made it easier.”

Mr Wiper also said they would be looking to begin work on the fourth floor next spring, which would give them two more screens and a further 100 seats by August next year.

As a way of thanking people for their support, the cinema has set up a loyalty card scheme. Mr Wiper added: “The take-up off it has been amazing.

“We wanted to do something extra for local residents with the neighbour advantages because we have received so much support from the local community.”

Later this year to mark the first opening of the cinema in 1932 a commemorative film is being produced.

The film will be shown on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14, and Badsey native Alistair McGowan will be in the Vale to take part in the celebrations.

The cinema has been placed on a shortlist of 16 “heritage rescues” going head-to-head for a national award.

The Grade II listed site is in the finals of the English Heritage Angel Awards, with a winner due to be announced in October. The canals in Droitwich are also on the shortlist.

For more information on future events at the cinema visit theregal.ac.