International
Saving Plymouth’s Royal Cinema: A Beatles Legacy
The historic Royal Cinema in Plymouth, known for hosting The Beatles and other legendary acts, is facing closure and is the focus of a campaign to raise £1 million for its preservation as a cultural and community space. Supporters aim to revitalize it as a boutique arts cinema while honoring its rich heritage.
An art deco cinema in Plymouth, originally known as the Royal and later the Reel, is at risk after being closed since 2019. This historic venue, which has hosted iconic performances by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Morecambe and Wise, is now the focus of a campaign led by the Plymouth Royal Cinema Community Benefit Society to secure its future. The society aims to raise £1 million to transform the cinema into a vibrant cultural space, featuring multiple screens designed as a boutique arts cinema and community venue. Local historian Chris Robinson emphasizes the significance of the cinema, highlighting its unique architectural heritage and the legacy of its designer, William Riddle Glen. With a few months to gather the necessary funds, campaign supporters are committed to preserving the cinema’s rich history and the many cherished memories it holds for the community.
SOURCE: BBC NEWS
