A cinema in a North Wales seaside resort is claiming the title of the oldest working picture house in the UK.
It was only this week that staff at Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay discovered the venue was granted its first cinema licence exactly 101 years ago, in January, 1909.
Now, they hope the exciting news will help with grant funding to ensure that cinema stays at the venue, built in 1885, for another century.
Phil Batty, manager, said: “We believe we are the oldest operating cinema in the country.
“The grand unveiling of the ‘animated pictures’ after the venue received a cinema licence was on January 25, 1909, so our film history dates back exactly 101 years.
“We’d be very interested to hear of other cinemas, still screening today, which were operating before that date.”
Sarah Ecob, general manager, said: “Theatr Colwyn is central to the community in Colwyn Bay and has played an important role for 125 years.
“It’s very exciting to find out that is the oldest operating cinema in the UK and was one of the very first to receive a cinema licence.
“We are currently working to raise funding that will help secure the building for the next generation. We’d be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to help us at this exciting time.”
Back at the start of the 20th Century, Harry Reynolds, a well known face on the West End stage with his famous troupe of minstrels, took over The Public Hall – as the venue was then known – and immediately had the auditorium revamped, which included the installation of the electric light.
The first films he screened included ‘Hunting Crocodiles on The Nile’ and ‘The Naughty Little Princess’.
Now owned by Conwy County Borough Council, the venue has a dual purpose as both an independent cinema and receiving theatre.
Seating 375 people and with a single large screen, Theatr Colwyn’s current
film programme ranges from blockbuster movies such as Avatar and Sherlock Holmes, to art house releases including Gomorrah and I’ve Loved You So Long.
The venue still projects on 35mm film and admission prices for general films are priced at just £2.50 for children and £3.50 for adults.
Phil Batty added: “We started up the cinema again in 2000, after receiving grants from our town council and county council which covered the cost of the projector and screen.
“Our audience like to come and watch a film in a traditional setting and they also appreciate the fact that our tickets are so affordable. A family of four can see a film for £12 at 7.30pm, you’d be hard pushed to match that at a multiplex.”
