PARKWAY OWNERS VOW TO CARRY ON AS UK CINEMAS ‘HANG BY A THREAD’
CO-DIRECTOR CALLS ON AUDIENCES TO SUPPORT THEIR LOCAL CINEMAS WHICH ARE COVID-SECURE
JAMES Bond may not be on Her Majesty’s Service this year but independent cinema owners in Cleethorpes say they aim to provide the best service for another century. While national cinema chains such as Cineworld undergo mass closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cleethorpes Parkway and Louth’s Playhouse cinemas will be rolling.
The lights, cameras and action have dimmed in cinemas around the country.
But thanks to the family-run business hundreds of film buffs are enjoying the treat of a trip to the cinema.
Richard Parkes, one of the sons of founder Gerald Parkes and co-director, said he was dismayed that the latest James bond film would not be released until next year.
He called on audiences to support their local cinemas which are Covid-secure with stringent measures in place.
“Bond might be missing in action, but the bad guys haven’t won yet,” said Richard.
He told the Grimsby Telegraph: “The future of cinemas in the UK is hanging by a thread. We think there’s something magical about seeing an amazing film in a proper local cinema. If you agree, now’s the time to pay us a visit, or buy a gift card to use in the future, or book a private screening for you and your bubble.” He added: “Parkway Cinemas are proudly independent, and always have been. We’ve been serving our local audiences for more than 20 years, and fully intend on being here for another 20.
“In fact, The Playhouse in Louth first opened as a cinema in 1921, and we are looking forward to celebrating our 100th year next year.” Richard said: “James Bond may not be here this year after all, but we are. And we need your support.” He said the cinemas will be showing brand new films as part of the BFI London Film Festival 2020. The October half term family films are also due to be screened and the owners plan on bringing back many of the classics to the big screen. Parkway and Playhouse has also teased they will host some spooky family fun live on stage this Hallowe’en, along with some chilling new horrors and classics too. Cineworld announced it planned to shut 127 cinemas in the UK temporarily after the distributors of the James Bond spy movies delayed the latest release No Time to Die. That may encourage more movie fans to travel to Cleethorpes and Louth from further afield.
The move is expected to result in around 5,000 job losses.