Stormtroopers, Jedi knights and Darth Vader are joining forces at a cinema when it becomes one of the first places in the galaxy to show the new Star Wars film.
The latest Star Wars blockbuster, The Last Jedi (Star Wars VIII), is due to hit the screen at the Odeon cinema at Eagles Meadow, in Wrexham, a minute after midnight on the morning of Thursday, December 14
Odeon supervisor Kirsty Sawyer says The Last Jedi is going to be the biggest cinema event of the year.
She said: “I wouldn’t like to predict whether it will break records here at Eagles Meadow but if it doesn’t it will no doubt come close. Tickets are already on sale and are orders are exceeding expectations.
“We also have a double bill on some screens as we are showing The Force Awakens before midnight and then, after a short interval, we will go straight into The Last Jedi. Those tickets are proving very popular indeed.”
She added: “Last year we had Rogue One, which is a prequel to Star Wars and, although popular, interest wasn’t anything like we are seeing for The Last Jedi to be honest.
“It’s an amazing atmosphere at the first showing with many fans coming along in costume and having a really good time. We get grandparents, who loved the original 1977 film, now bringing their grandchildren along.”
Among those who can’t wait to see the film is part-time stormtrooper, Afy Anwars, from Wrexham, who works as retail development manager at the town’s St Christopher’s School
Afy Anwar owns an original stormtropper outfit and is in demand for personal appearances.
He said: “There is a real community of Star Wars fans that own original outfits and costumes and we all sort of know each other.
“I bought my outfit from London three years ago after saving up for it for a long time. As a child I watched Star Wars and was always a big fan. I always wanted my own costume and when I saw one advertised a few years back I got my savings together, went down to London and bought it.
“It’s the best thing I ever bought as I have been invited to all sorts of fetes, promotional events and even children’s parties since which is nice. However, I’m a little disappointed my own son, Hasan, eight, isn’t a big Star Wars fan, he’s more into Harry Potter to be honest!”
“The Last Jedi is going to be a spectacular film and I can’t wait to see it. There is always a sense of real excitement when a new Star Wars film is due for release.
“It carries on from where The Force Awakens ends with Rey beginning her training in the ways of the Force after finally discovering Luke Skywalker.”
Odeon Eagles Meadow customer assistant Darren Lea, who has worked at the cinema for more than a year, admits to being a huge Star Wars fan and says he is looking forward to seeing The Last Jedi.
He said: “It really is going to be huge, every new Star Wars film is. All the staff will be dressing up in costume, I have a Kylo Ren outfit I will be wearing.
“It going to be the big cinema event of the year there is no doubt about it and tickets are already selling really well.”
According to Eagles Meadow manager it’s going to be a major event.
He said: “I’m certain we are going to have a very full cinema on the opening night of The Last Jedi and for many weeks after. It’s always nice to see the public enjoying a blockbusting film and they don’t come any bigger than Star Wars.
“I know the Odeon team work exceptionally hard to ensure everyone has a good time and gets to their seats in time to enjoy the film. It’s going to be a busy time for all the staff and for Eagles Meadow.”
For more information go www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/wrexham_eagles_meadow/173/
Captions
1 and 2: Afy Anwar in his stormtropper outfit with Odeon customer assistant Darren Lea dressed as Kylo Ren.
1-3/4/5: Afy Anwar in his stormtropper outfit with Odeon supervisor Kirsty Sawyer and customer assistant Darren Lea dressed as Kylo Ren.
