Community cinema opens its doors in the Dearne

Dearne Community Cinema will open its doors at The Dearne ALC, Bolton-upon-Dearne for a showing of Transformers: Age of Extinction on Wednesday, October 15.

A place in the 200-seat theatre — which also offers popcorn and hotdogs — will cost just £3 each or £10 for a family of four.

The pocket-friendly picture house has been funded with money from Big Local, a scheme run by the Big Lottery Fund.

Organisers asked Bolton residents how they would like the money spent. The consensus was for a cinema.

Mark Fisher is on the fund’s South Yorkshire steering group. “If you take your family to the cinema in Sheffield you’re looking at spending the best part of £100,” he said.

“We’re bringing the experience to our area for much less. Dearne ALC has a full size screen and a professional projector — it’s tailor made for a cinema.”

The cinema committee received a share of £1 million in funds awarded to Dearne Valley projects by the Big Lottery Fund.

“The money pays for rent of the theatre and licensing for the films,” said Mark. “We need to sell around 100 tickets for each showing if we’re going to break even.

“The cinema will stay open as long as we get bums on seats. We’re also hoping to create one or two jobs.”

The first four films scheduled at the cinema are Transformers, Jersey Boys, Fault in Our Stars and a singalong screening of Disney’s Frozen.

One will play each fortnight for the next eight weeks. The cinema committee also hopes to show Christmas films and Brassed off, complete with a live brass band.

Doors open on Wednesday at 6pm, with the film beginning at 6.30pm. To book tickets telephone Dearne ALC on 01709 892565 during office hours.