Making most of strange new world

What is the one thing we all need to know ahead of making our postlockdown return to the cinema? It is going to be different. Very different.

Sanitiser stations. Staff in gloves. Cleaners in masks. Signs pointing this way. Queues forming that way.

Leigh Paatsch runs you through three easy steps you can take to get your cinematic show on the road without any bumps en route ...

STEP 1: THE WHEN FACTOR

The era of just bowling up, buying a ticket and taking a seat is over for now. Try and avoid the evening prime-time sessions. Human traffic in the foyers will be high while earlier sessions come to an end, and those patrons need to leave. Each cinema will require a deep clean before a new session in the same space can commence. Factor all of this into your timing and above all else, be patient: Cinema schedules will now be more fluid than before while this ‘new normal’ takes hold.

STEP 2: THE WHERE FACTOR

Initially at least, best stick with cinemas where you know the basic layout of the place. While all locations will have social distance markers displayed in high-traffic areas, some smaller cinemas may require that you wait outside until a certain number of patrons have been dispersed. Therefore if it’s a cold night, definitely bring a coat. Do also bear in mind that just as cinema capacities have been reduced, so too have the number of parking spaces nearby for patrons. Your regular go-to spot may not be available at all. Allow a little more time to your schedule if you need to park further away.

STEP 3: THE BOOKING FACTOR

Purchasing your tickets online should be the only way to go at the moment. First and foremost, with strict seat-distancing policies in place at all cinemas, getting the right seat is going to be paramount. At certain locations — especially independent non-chain sites — some individual cinemas will not be able to hold more than around 10-15 patrons. Getting a vantage point in line with the screen will be a priority. If you’re attending with the family or a few friends, there is also the matter of sitting (relatively) together to consider. So get online early, and get those good spots.