Cinemas getting ready to return

CINEMAS are looking forward to reopening when Government restrictions are eased for indoor entertainment venues on May 17.

Broadway Cinema said the reopening is “very welcome news”, adding: “We’re now busy working hard to ensure the safe return to our screens as well as making exciting plans for our programme and newlyrefurbished Cafébar for the summer and beyond.”

Showcase Cinema, in Redfield Way, said: “We are delighted that will we be able to open our cinemas from Stage 3 of the government’s reopening plan.”

However, added: “When we do reopen, the cinema experience may be a little different to what you will have become used to.

“We have worked extremely hard over the past few months to make all our sites as safe as possible for the comfort of both staff and guests, which has always been our top priority... the new enhanced health and safety protocols which are designed to help everyone ‘Be Showcase Safe’.”

Cineworld not only confirmed it plans to reopen screens in May but the company also revealed it has reached a multi-year agreement with Warner Bros for an exclusive 31-day period it can show the studio’s films prior to them being available on streaming services. Last year, the chain put thousands of jobs at risk as it shut all of its UK and US cinemas indefinitely after the release of the latest James Bond film was pushed back to 2021.

Construction on Beeston’s new cinema, next to Beeston Square has been completed and it is currently being fitted out read for an expected summer opening.

We tried to contact The Savoy Cinema, in Derby Road, but had not received a response by the time this edition went to press.