Regal Cinema

Located in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire. The Regal Cinema opened on 29th July 1937 with Cicely Courtneidge in “Everybody Dance” and Laurel & Hardy in "Them Thar Hills". It was built by the Caraven Cinemas chain. There were two small shops on either side of the entrance. In the auditorium the capacity of seating for 304 was divided in stalls and circle areas. It is a perfect example of a 1930’s ‘super cinema’ carried out on a miniature scale and has been little altered over the years.

In later years it was taken over by the town council, who built a community centre at the rear of the building. The Regal is used today for amateur dramatic shows, opera and other live performances. Films are also a regular part of the programme. The interior is painted in an Atmospheric style in a Middle Eastern setting with palm trees etc., by artist George Legge.

Sadly, the Regal Cinema was severely affected by the devastating floods which hit this part of England on 20th July 2007. It was temporarily closed while repairs and renovations were carried out and it re-opened on 19th January 2008.

The Regal Cinema is a Grade II Listed building.

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

Ken Roe on December 31, 2007 at 8:23 pm

Four photographs of the Regal Cinema:
Exterior in December 2006:
http://flickr.com/photos/kevp/339869599/
Entrance and original doors:
http://flickr.com/photos/kevp/339869604/
The flooded auditorium in July 2007:
http://flickr.com/photos/jacula/888992870/
Another July 2007 photo:
http://flickr.com/photos/10427024@N05/893466948/

RegalTenburyHLF on March 15, 2012 at 10:31 am

The Regal is actually at 47-49 Teme Street.

Details of the HLF funded restoration project can be found on the project blog at regaltenburyhlf.blogspot.com which includes lots of photos and information about the cinema’s past.

There is also a youtube channel at youtube.com/regaltenburyhlf which has a video virtual behind-the-scenes tour of the restoration project.