Going to the cinema has been a popular leisure activity in Oxford for many years but the coronavirus pandemic forced them to close.
According to the Government’s plans to ease lockdown, cinemas can reopen from May 17.
The Odeon in Magdalen Street Picture: Google Maps
Outdoor cinemas and drive-in venues in England can open from this week, with indoor cinemas able to welcome film fans back from May 17, when the next step of the plan is implemented.
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Pubs and restaurants will also be able to welcome back customers inside from that date.
When these cinemas do reopen, it probably won’t be business as usual.
It’s expected that chains will have a smaller number of showings and will also introduce social distancing measures in screening rooms despite the vaccine rollout going well.
The Odeon in George Street following refurbishment in 2016
Cinema chains are expected to arrange seating at screenings so that people are physically distanced.
A number of films, including a new Conjuring and Matrix film have had its releases pushed back due to the pandemic.
Last year, staff at the Ultimate Picture Palace off Cowley Road staged a successful crowdfunding appeal to help it survive.
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Its appeal passed its £18,000 target in 90 minutes – with help from the Oxford Mail.
The Ultimate Picture Palace, in Cowley Road, is a local institution with a history stretching back to 1911, but after almost four months of lockdown, it has found itself starved of funds and struggling to survive.
Robert Kenny, director of cinema development, at the Curzon Cinema in 2018
Buoyed by their success, managers pushed the target to £34,000, meaning the cinema can reopen with films every day of the week on reopening in the autumn. It smashed that target by 5pm the same day.
Manager Tom Jowett said at the time: “Our supporters have given in their hundreds and as a result we reached our first target of £18,000 within 90 minutes of launching at noon.
“We then increased our target to £34,000 to ensure that we reopen with a full seven day-a-week programme from September.
Staff at Odeon Vue cinema celebrate its 15th birthday
“We are extraordinarily grateful to each and every one of our supporters who have donated to us. This immense effort has saved the UPP from running out of money during this crisis.
The Curzon Cinema at Westgate
"We will now be able to start planning for an exciting ‘welcome back’ programme in September crammed full of great new releases, classics and special events.
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“We are incredibly moved by the emphatic support we have received.”
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