The Rex Cinema in Wilmslow has reopened after a revamp that brought a fresh look, additional seating, a relocated bar and an incredible retro-style canopy.
The venue's two auditoriums, the 60-seat Ballroom and the 150-seater Balcony, have been fitted with brand-new seating, and one of the projectors was upgraded in time for the Christmas rush.
What the revamp included
Operations manager Molly Andrew said the cinema closed for a month in September for what was initially presented as a refresh, but bigger plans were in store behind the scenes.
"Our foyer areas have been completely transformed, with a fresh new look, additional seating, a relocated bar and an incredible retro-style canopy that adds a real touch of character," she said.
Dining shows and screenings
The Rex shows everything from latest blockbusters to cinema classics, alongside live and recorded cultural events including performances from the Royal Opera and National Theatre.
It also offers Dining Shows, which include food and drink with the movie tickets. Customers can choose a Pizza Club or Fish & Chip show, along with a drink and a dessert.
"You pick up your tickets and drink from the bar and are seated as normal," said Andrew. "Then we come round with the pizzas or fish & chips and hand them out in the screen. These are eaten during the trailers, then we come round with dessert trays for everyone to choose from just before the film starts. These are our most popular shows and we do them every week."
Upcoming dining screenings include the Wicker film starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgard, Wild Horse Nine, The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping, Avengers: Doomsday and festive movies including Love Actually and Ebenezer.
History and community response
The Rex first opened in Wilmslow in 1936 and operated as a cinema for nearly 60 years before closing in 1995. The Mundin family restored the building, bringing it back to life as a cinema in December 2018.
Andrew said the cinema has become a cultural hub and a beating heart of the Wilmslow community, adding that it partners with local independent businesses such as Wood Fire Smoke and Fosters Chippy for the Pizza Club and Fish and Chips nights.
"We've had such an amazing response from our customers over the past few weeks since reopening, and we couldn't be happier," she said. "It's been wonderful to see so many familiar faces, as well as welcoming lots of new ones. With an exciting line-up of films coming up in the lead-up to Christmas, there's so much to look forward to."
Standard screenings without dining include Verity and Giant - The Play, I Play Rocky and Focker-In-law. Children's screenings include Festive Fun With Peppa Pig, the CBeebies Panto Treasure Island, We're Going On A Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Festive screenings include The Polar Express, The Grinch, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Arthur Christmas.
Standard tickets cost £13, under 16s £10, under fives £5 and concessions £11.50. Luxury seats cost £16, sofa seats for two cost £32, and Dining Shows cost from £30 a ticket. The Rex is open Monday to Wednesday 4pm to late, Thursday to Saturday 1pm to late and Sunday 1pm to 9pm.
