Playhouse offers screen hire

Perth Playhouse has announced that film fanatics will be able to hire out its massive cinema screens for private viewings once COVID restrictions are eased.

Three screens will be made available for private hire - to show movies or even to play video games - for those who are wary about mixing with people who are not in their bubble.

Perth Playhouse’s screens three and four will be among them following extensive refurbishments as well as screen two, its smallest screen. The screens will be available to book for up to a maximum of 24 people to allow social distancing.

Operations manager at Perth Playhouse

Mike Wiles said:“We know a lot of people are concerned about coming back into public spaces. They are nervous about coming back and mixing with other people, but offering private screenings is an ideal way to get people back to the cinema.

“We are going to use our smallest screen and our two newly-refurbished screens with the leather seats because they are the best to offer out for private hire.

“We have already had a massive amount of positivity for the idea and people have come forward saying it is perfect because they want to go to the cinema, but they don’t feel safe.

“You could even hire it out and plug in an

Xbox or a PlayStation and have a mini gaming tournament with the kids, it doesn’t have to be a film.”

He added:“I am desperate for everyone to get back to the cinema because there is an awful lot of films due to come out soon.

“We have‘Black Widow’,‘Peter Rabbit 2’ for the kids and the new James Bond film, although that is not coming out until September, so there will be a long wait for that.”

Once Perth Playhouse reopens, private hire will cost £149 for up to 10 people, and £249 for up to 24 people. Provisional bookings will be taken later in March and will offer film choices nearer the time.