On Boxing Day, 26 December, there will be a free screening of the original opening film, ‘The taming of the Shrew’. Local people are invited to attend in thanks for their support over the years. The film is an early ‘talkie’, and the only movie in which Hollywood’s dream couple Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford starred together. Seats are limited and should be pre-booked.

Over the weekend of 8 and 9 January 2022, the celebrations continue with events including backstage tours, special film screenings, a musical variety show and even a game of bingo, as a nostalgic throwback to the Regent’s time as a Mecca Bingo Hall in the 1970s until the early 1980s.

On 8 January, 10am, there will be a behind-the-scenes tour to explore areas of the centre that are not usually open to the public such as the projection room and vintage cinema museum. Tickets are very limited, so advance booking is essential. Entry is £5 per person.

At 12pm on 8 January, you can play Bingo. Prizes include spa days and vouchers for a champagne afternoon tea. Tickets are £5 per person.

‘Downton Abbey’ (2019) was the Regent’s best-selling film ever, so it will be back at 3pm on 8 January, with tickets £5 each.

On the evening of 8 January at 7.30pm, there will be a special screening of the theatre-themed film ‘Phantom of the Paradise’ (1974), shown on the Regent’s recently restored 35mm projector.

The celebrations will culminate on Sunday 9 January at 7.30pm with ‘A Celebration of Musical Theatre’. This live concert will feature classic showtunes from the past 90 years, all performed by local musical theatre groups including BBLOC, BMT Productions, Bournemouth GaSP, Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Highcliffe Charity Players, Milton Musical Society, Theatre 2000, plus a special guest spot from The Fifinellas. Tickets are £10.

Proceeds raised from the birthday events will be donated to the Regent’s Development Fund and re-invested in the centre for the benefit of the community to ensure the Regent stays abreast of new developments and there for future generations to enjoy.

All tickets are available from www.regentcentre.co.uk or the Box Office on 01202 499199.