Cinema’s crackle and hiss in vintage vehicle
MOVIE buffs may mix with petrolheads this weekend in a ’60s mobile Commer truckbased mobile cinema.
The vintage mini cinema, nicknamed Audrey, is opening its doors for one night only from 5pm on Sunday to celebrate Campbeltown Picture House (CPH) being declared one of Scotland’s Hidden gems.
The event will take place in front of CPH on Hall Street, where 22 people per free showing can admire, photograph or hop on board.
Audrey is the last remaining vehicle of seven mobile cinemas which were made for the Ministry of Technology in the 1960s to promote modern production techniques.
The scheme ended in 1974 and all the cinemas were auctioned.
After rotting in a field in Essex for years, Audrey was rescued in 2005 and underwent an authentic restoration on the outside.
Modern AV equipment with a 1930s ‘traditional’ cinema feel was added to the inside, as well as 22 original art deco seats.
The Vintage Mobile Cinema has appeared on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and the Reel History of Britain, a 20-part series presented by Melvyn Bragg. Audrey has also attended festivals and events of all shapes and sizes across the UK.
With more than 700 votes, Campbeltown Picture House was crowned as one of Scotland’s six most spectacular Hidden Gems in August 2017 as part of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
Purpose-built
CPH was one of the first purpose-built cinemas in Scotland, the oldest which has always operated for sole cinema use, and one of very few atmospheric style cinemas still in existence in the world.
CPH is currently undergoing a £3.5 million renovation and restoration and is due to reopen in the autumn.
Upgraded facilities will include a brand new second screen.
Ellen Mainwood, general manager at CPH, said: ‘We’re all so proud of the importance of our town’s picture house so to welcome Audrey, another significant part in the story of British cinema, is a real treat.
‘We’re hugely appreciative of everyone who voted and this will surely bode well for when the cinema reopens in a few weeks.’
To learn more about the screenings, visit: Facebook.com/CampbeltownPictureHouse