ORIGINAL DR LECTER VISITS LYME REGIS TO OPEN CINEMA PROGRAMME AT THE MARINE THEATRE - 🎭🎥
Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers
The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis has launched its brand-new cinema programme in spectacular style, with acclaimed actor Brian Cox making a special appearance at the grand opening on 28th January.
The event marked the culmination of years of fundraising, with support from Lyme Regis Town Council, Dorset Council, the Backstage Trust, and Garfield Weston, enabling the theatre to install state-of-the-art cinema facilities.
The new programme promises to bring a diverse range of films to the coastal town, enriching its cultural offerings.
To commemorate the launch, the evening featured a special screening of 'Manhunter' - Michael Mann’s 1986 thriller in which Brian Cox gave the first-ever cinematic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter.
Following the film, the Scottish star took to the stage alongside BBC Radio 4’s Jamie Coomarasamy for what a theatre spokesperson described as “a highly entertaining conversation” filled with “new biographical insights, reflections on cinema, and plenty of previously unheard anecdotes”.
Cox, known for his commanding performances on screen and stage, delighted the audience with stories about working alongside Hollywood heavyweights such as Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Paul Greengrass. He also discussed his upcoming theatre productions, 'The Score' and 'Make it Happen'.
The theatre's new cinema schedule includes screenings of 'Conclave', 'We Live in Time', 'Nosferatu', 'The Brutalist', and more.
To encourage local film enthusiasts, the Marine Theatre is offering a special launch deal, allowing ticket holders to see four films for the price of three.
The evening’s celebrations were made possible with support from the Seaside Boarding House, reflecting the town's commitment to making the occasion a local success story. As the event drew to a close, Brian Cox gave the venue a ringing endorsement, declaring, "The Marine Theatre is a triumph!"
( Photo: 'Manhunter' - De Laurentiis Entertainment Group 📸 )