Projector brings new life to cinema (From Oxford Mail)

Projector brings new life to cinema

1:00pm Saturday 18th February 2012 in Witney

A CHIPPING Norton cinema has installed a new digital projector thanks to £23,000 in donations and support from Sir Ben Kingsley.

Chipping Norton Theatre, Spring Street, installed the piece of kit in October but has only started using it now because the venue’s film season has begun.

The device was needed because getting hold of 35mm releases to fit its previous projector was proving increasingly tough and threatened the cinema’s survival. Fundraising started in the summer and saw Sir Ben lavish praise on the cinema, saying: “This gem is worth fighting for.”

The projector, which also received a £5,000 grant from Oxfordshire County Council, will allow live screenings of events from around the world.

Senior projectionist Robin Smitten said: “It is wonderful that we will also be able to stream performances of opera, ballet and music, something which has not been possible before.”

Today the theatre will screen Hugo at 4pm and the award-winning Iron Lady, starring Meryl Streep, at 7.30pm.