Cinema reopens
THE QUEUE which snaked half the length of Western Road on Thursday made it obvious just how much cinema had been missed in Bexhill.
Finally, after months the old Curzon cinema reopened in its new guise as the Redstack Playhouse.
Hundreds of people, mostly eager customers who had registered their interest with new owner, Philip Cotterill, attended the opening ceremonies in the afternoon and evening.
And Mr Cotterill was on hand to greet almost every visitor at the door, before returning to the main auditorium as he and his staff busied themselves for the main event.
Christmas music from the Old Town Choir diverted attention from the cold evening air as people waited patiently for their first glimpse of the new-look venue.
Visitors could claim a free glass of champagne and try out the chocolate fountain installed for the occasion.
The enormous cinema screen showed pictures of the cinema's opening in the 1920s and archive shots from the Observer.
Mr Cotterill was then introduced to his audience. He said: "It's been a long time coming but hopefully by the end of tonight you will realise it will have been worth it.
"It has taken a bit of time and effort to get to where we are today.
"I think, quite incorrectly, people see this town as a town that says no to certain things. Well, it has been absolutely the opposite with me - with the playhouse everybody has said yes."
He said later: "I feel like I'm walking on air. We put on a fantastic opening and people had a chance to see what to expect when we open."
Guests were treated to a show which included singing from the East Sussex School of Performing Arts and local dance groups.
The screen was put through its paces with a showing of the short film Luxo Jr - the computer animated lamps created by the makers of Toy Story and The Incredibles. Film fans could use the new cinema for the first time with a matinee showing of Casablanca last Friday.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
