FROME’S Westway Cinema, which was damaged by fire and forced to close for renovation, re-opened last week. The official opening ceremony was performed by five-year- old Bea Garret, who plays a role in new film ‘Johnny English:Reborn’.
Bea helped to cut the ribbon saying that she hoped everyone would enjoy the film. The cinema was forced to close for two weeks, while clean up crews tackled damage which was caused by the fire which broke out in the kitchen last month.
The cinema has been celebrating the re-opening with eight screenings of ‘Johnny English: Reborn’, the last of which will be screened on Thursday 13th of October at 8pm.
Martina O’Connor from Westway Cinema said, “We have had professional cleaning crews in to deal with the smoke damage caused by the fire. We have painted the entrance and stairs, so it’s looking up to scratch.”
Martina now has big plans for the cinema, which she hopes to use for community space. She explained, “We are looking to house yoga classes, a masseuse and also have the schools visit as part of a media course. The cinema belongs to the people of the town.”
Martina reflects on the “wonderful support” the cinema has received following the fire. “It’s just phenomenal, we have had cards and letters of support throughout the whole process. It’s amazing.”
Projectionist Charlie Nowlan said, “We are so impressed with the support the people of Frome have shown us. We have managed to get the cinema turned around really quickly.”
