| Date | |
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| Author | DCM |
| Categories | Exhibitor Focus |
Ilkeston’s famous Scala cinema is 100 years old this year – and to celebrate, there are some exciting plans underway.
Thought to be the UK’s second oldest working cinema, The Scala has had a full refurbishment and is now hoping to offer special screenings, including live feeds from venues like the Albert Hall and late night premières.
Muhammad Faisal from Loughborough-based Reel Cinemas, which owns the Scala, said the plans would give Ilkeston a much-needed boost.
“I think at the moment people travel to Nottingham or Leicester to get something different from their cinema so why not give them that here in Ilkeston?” he said.
The Art Deco cinema, just off the Market Place, has had a full paint job and new seating and carpets will be put in just after the school holidays to complete the new look.
Mr Faisal has asked Erewash Borough Council for a licence to sell alcohol and to extend its opening hours to 2.30am.
He explained this is so patrons ‘can enjoy a glass of wine’ while watching shows via satellite from big venues like the Royal Opera House.
The late licence will allow premières of popular movies such as new Twilight releases or the latest Bond films to be shown as soon as they are released – at 12 midnight.
“There is often a higher number of admissions at these types of shows than in the whole of their first week,” he explained.