A free screening of the Regent Centre’s original opening day film, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, was attended by more than 300 people. The screening, on Sunday 26 December, was the first in a series of celebrations for the centre’s 90^th birthday.

The film version of Shakespeare’s comedy starred Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. It was an early ‘talkie’, and the first film shown when the Regent was officially opened on Boxing Day in 1931 by the town’s mayor Councillor JW Tucker.

As well as the main feature film, a Laurel and Hardy ‘short’ called ‘Towed in a Hole’ was shown on the Regent’s recently restored 35mm projector. As was the tradition, the 300-strong audience stood at the end of the film for the National Anthem – this was customary in most cinemas from World War II until the early 1970s.

Celebrations continue this Saturday 8 January, with a backstage tour at 10am, prize Bingo at 12pm (in a nod to the centre’s days as a Mecca Hall in the 1970s), a special showing of the Regent’s bestselling film ever ‘Downton Abbey 1’ (2019) at 3pm, and the classic comedy horror ‘Phantom of the Paradise’ (1974) on 35mm at 7.30pm. Tickets for all of these events except the backstage tour are still available from the box office or website.

The birthday celebrations will be completed on Sunday 22 May, with a fundraising show, ‘A Celebration of Musical Theatre’. The show was previously scheduled for this Sunday 9 January, but has been postponed due to Covid. From ‘Mack and Mabel’ to ‘La Cage Aux Folles, this live concert will feature classic showtunes from the past 90 years, all performed by talented local musical theatre groups. Tickets are £10 (all proceeds to the Regent Development Fund).

All proceeds raised from the anniversary events will be donated to the Regent’s Development Fund and re-invested in the centre for the benefit of the community for future generations to enjoy.

The Regent Centre’s general manager, Oscar Sellick-Pilley, said: “We’re delighted we were able to mark our 90^th birthday on Boxing Day, inviting the local community to celebrate with us, as a thank you for their support over the past 90 years. The Regent saw record-breaking attendances for several events this year, which during these uncertain times, is an incredible achievement. Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us. We look forward to welcoming you to a bumper programme of events in 2022.”

Tickets are available at www.regentcentre.co.uk  or from the Box Office on 01202 499199.