A WORLD famous musician has spoken about why he loves a restored cinema and 'can't wait' to play there again.
Nigel Kennedy is due to play live at the Regal Cinema in Port Street, Evesham next month and has explained why he loves the striking art deco venue.
READ MORE: Nigel Kennedy to play at the Regal Cinema in Evesham
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The trailblazing 66-year-old violin virtuoso, known for pushing the boundaries of music, appeared on a video wearing an Aston Villa shirt, shared by the Regal.
His visit is something of a birthday present for the Regal which has been marking a big milestone - 90 years at the heart of the town with all the trials and tribulations that has brought.
Mr Kennedy has praised the venue for enduring despite the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cash, grants and donations of time and skills from people in various trades enabled the building to be restored to its former glory after £1.2million was invested in the project.
Mr Kennedy said: “I’m really looking forward to going back to Evesham. It’s Aston Villa territory!
"All of us artists have had a forced period of time out because the Tory government hate artists even though they like taking the tax.
"We’re fresh now and it’s so beautiful to be playing live. Playing live nothing can replace it. I can’t wait to be let loose!”
Nigel Kennedy, who has performed classical music and has since expanded into jazz, klezmer, and other music genres, is to perform at the cinema on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4, from 8pm.
The musician also spoke about the impact of the pandemic on arts venues, praising the Regal for weathering the storm.
Mr Kennedy said: “After the big COVID lie it’s been difficult for venues and artists to survive. It's all very well working from home.
"The whole idea is taking music to the people in beautiful venues like The Regal.
The fact that they are still going now after this huge set back is phenomenal."
The grade II listed building, which dates back to 1932, was brought back to life from a state of dereliction in 2012. Mr Kennedy, who has twice played at the venue, has connections to Malvern.
Mr Kennedy, who has performed classical music and has since expanded into jazz, klezmer, and other music genres.
The Regal's patron and comedian Alistair McGowan, said: “It’s so important to recognise the excitement, entertainment and life that independent venues provide for their communities.
"As The Regal enters it’s 90th year, we look forward to Nigel’s Kennedy’s two performances which will bring all those things and more to the town. We are also very keen to celebrate the community support which helped facilitate the cinema’s restoration in 2012 and showed how well loved it had been and would continue to be as a place that provided the magic of the movies and so much more.”
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