| Date | |
|---|---|
| Author | DCM |
| Categories | Exhibitor News |
The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne was built in 1936 as a combined cinema theatre and the tradition of showing both films and live stage shows continues to the present day. Big audiences for major shows were traditional at the Tivoli and the theatre has once again achieved the status of a major 500 seat venue. Local people enjoy the finest and latest films available with full surround sound.
DCM Close Up spoke to the Tivoli’s Theatre Manager, Charlie North Lewis, on his career in cinema and why the Tivoli has become such an integral part of the local Wimborne community.
How did you end up working in cinema and what do you love about it?
I was working at BAFTA when I saw an advert in The Stage for a manager at The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne and so I applied in the knowledge that cinema was a large part of the programming.
I love picking films for the venue and I enjoy trying to find films that are interesting as well as (hopefully) commercial.
What’s unique about your cinema?
It’s independent, Art-Deco and mainly staffed by volunteers. It had been ‘dark’ for many years until it was brought back to life 20 years ago and it has gone from strength to strength. Also, we don’t sell hot dogs or popcorn!
Does your cinema put on any special events?
We also present live performance as well with a strong emphasis on music and comedy. We have presented acts such as Eddie Izzard, Al Murray, Jim Davidson, Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre, Des O’Connor and Jack Dee. Music acts have included Charlie Watts, Chris Farlowe, Ginger Baker, Albert Lee, Joe Brown, Andy Fairweather Low, Paul Jones with both The Blues Band and The Manfreds, Stan Tracy, Chris Barber, Cleo Lane and Lesley Garrett among many others.
What excites you most about the future of the cinema industry?
The films just keep getting better and directors such as Ben Affleck are making great movies.
What is your favourite movie and why?
There are too many to choose from, but probably Some Like It Hot because I’m a big Jack Lemmon fan. I’ve just seen Promised Land which I really liked.
What film role would you like to play why?
Harry Callaghan from the Dirty Harry series because Clint Eastwood’s just so cool!
What do you think are the most iconic cinema ads and why?
The Volkswagen ads because they’re funny and memorable.
Is there anything else that you would like to add about your cinema or yourself?
My cinema has become one of the biggest draws in the area for people from outside our postcode which can only be good because the knock on effect from that means that more people spend more within the town and the bars and restaurants in particular, benefit from what we present.
We have managed to stay afloat during these tough economic times and a large part of our recent success has been down to the cinema turnover and the right films for our audiences are being made.
As for myself, I’ve led quite an interesting life so far and met some very interesting people, many of whom I have admired from afar and I now know them personally.
DCM Close Up would like to share your cinema’s news with all our exhibitors nationwide. To feature your site in this spot, please contact rebecca.rau@dcm.co.uk.