After a 20-year intermission, movie lovers in Angus will have the opportunity to watch selected films on the big screen in Arbroath from this weekend, as the town’s Webster Theatre takes on a new dual role.
Regular screenings of movies will begin at the recently refurbished theatre in a new venture made possible by a significant grant from Scottish Screen, which assisted in funding the purchase and installation of digital projection equipment at the theatre.
The season kicks off on Sunday with Spike Jonze’s take on the much-loved Maurice Sendak book Where The Wild Things Are at 11am.
In the evening, Mel Gibson will star in Edge Of Darkness, a remake of the chilling 1980s TV series.
It is planned to screen a family movie at 11am each Sunday, with a more adult-orientated film at 7.30pm.
The news has been welcomed by film fans and business people in the town.
Local man Derek Robertson, a keen film-goer, said he would definitely support the new venture.
“I don’t think Arbroath is ever going to support a multiplex and it sounds as though what is planned will be a nice compromise. If they can offer two or three different films a week, I think that will be enough for people who do not fancy travelling to Dundee,” he said.Great ideaLocal bar and restaurant owner Fraser Ogston said, “It’s a great idea. As far as I am concerned, the Webster Theatre has been the best investment Angus Council has made in the town.
“The theatre has been successful and I have thrived off it at the restaurant in the High Street.
“This is really good news for the town and I would be happy to help support it by offering free kids’ meals if families want to come and eat here on their Sunday movie outings.”
Fellow businessman Howard Cargill said, “I wish the council success with this idea and I really hope the local community supports it.
“People have been asking for a cinema for long enough so this is really good news.”
Pat Millar, chairwoman of Arbroath Community Council, said, “I am happy to hear this news and if it proves popular, which I hope it will, the council might consider extending the cinema screenings to other nights.”
The programme for the next few weeks is available on the theatre’s website, as are details of ticket prices.
Forthcoming attractions include A Single Man starring Colin Firth, the family movies Ponyo and Astro Boy and the Oscar-winning Crazy Heart with Jeff Bridges.
Daybreakers will provide some horror interest, particularly for lovers of vampire movies.
Midweek screenings will begin later in the year, as will short seasons of independent and world cinema.
For more information, www.webstertheatre.co.uk/cinemawhatson.html