MOVIE-GOERS will soon be able to experience the West End at home on Cork Street. Frome’s independent cinema, the Westway, has recently installed the technology to screen live streams of London’s theatre shows.
A new high-speed internet connection to the cinema’s digital projector will allow some of the country’s best operas, ballets, and musicals to be shown in real time.
The scheme is set to start in September with two screenings of Billy Elliot: The Musical, from London’s Victoria Palace Theatre.
Martina O’Connor, who owns and runs the cinema said, “It’s a bit of an experiment, but we’re really hoping it will be popular. The screenings make sure everyone can enjoy the stage shows; you can take the whole family for the price of one real ticket, and it saves on hours of travelling.”
Westway Cinema celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and, with the help of local fundraising, avoided closure by switching from 35mm film to digital projections. Martina, whose family have owned the cinema since the 1980s, insists the small, 300-seater theatre still has its local charm.
She said, “The service is totally different, not like the plastic experience you get at other cinemas.”
She suggests enjoying a meal from one of the restaurants in Frome, then the cinema can offer a licensed bar alongside the traditional cinema accompaniments – popcorn, icecream, sweets and snacks.
To book tickets or find out more, go to www.westwaycinema.co.uk or call 01373 467088.
