A beloved cinema which first opened in 1931 is reopening to the public after being restored to its former glory.
The Gaumont operated as a cinema from the 30s until November 1960 and now, 91 years after first opening, it will reopen to welcome film lovers once more. Opened and managed by Charlie Brown from 1931 until 1935, the former manager's grandson Andy Brown will be at the official relaunch next month.
On December 3, Liverpool Lighthouse - based in a refurbished former Gaumont cinema in north Liverpool - will open to the public. Liverpool Lighthouse is a registered charity working with the local community, with the aim of creating thriving communities of people living more fulfilled lives.
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The opening ceremony on December 3 is a free sing-a-long screening of the Hollywood blockbuster, The Greatest Showman. Guests are encouraged to attend in fancy dress inspired by showbusiness and the circus, in keeping with the style of the film.
After the launch, there'll be 'pay what you can' screenings throughout the rest of December and January, as part of the launch. The cinema aims to promote wellbeing in the local community, particularly while the cost of living crisis rages on and treats like a trip to the cinema become unattainable to many.
Liverpool Lighthouse, with support from Awards for All, LFC, Liverpool Mayoral Fund and CrowdFunding, purchased and installed a cinema-quality AV system and screen in the auditorium, along with other equipment to help create an authentic cinema experience.
Liverpool Lighthouse was established in 1998 in a former Gaumont Cinema building, and is now a creative sanctuary for its local communities and artists with a creative wellbeing programme.
Rebecca Ross-Williams, creative director of Liverpool Lighthouse. said: "There is currently no local cinema. We plan to bring the experience of cinema back to the local community which has been culturally underserved for generations, which affects particularly those in the most disadvantaged groups, including low-income families, people with disabilities, young people and older people. Many local people have told us they struggle to afford the costs to travel to and access other cinemas."
The building was previously a Gaumont cinema, dating from 1931. Andy Brown's grandfather, Charlie brown, opened and managed the original art deco cinema, a modern icon of its time. Andy Brown, grandson of Charlie Brown, said: "You are doing what Charlie Brown did back in 1931; just like the Lighthouse, the cinema supported the community, bringing entertainment and opportunity to Anfield. Charlie and his wife Nell would have been very proud to know that their legacy is still living on."
The restoration of Liverpool Lighthouse involved installing a 10 metre Cine Pro electrical screen, while extra vintage touches have been restored and added to heighten the historical feel of the venue. The box office has been brought back to life, with the installation of popcorn markers, candyfloss trollies, and a vintage 'now showing' sign all highlighting the retro nature of the space.
It is hoped the former Gaumont cinema will no longer be a memory of the past. There'll be regular screenings of much loved classics and independent films, as well as culturally diverse offerings, all at an affordable price.
Rebecca Ross-Williams, creative director of Liverpool Lighthouse, added: "We are so fortunate that our venue can once again bring the joy of film to our local communities through a community cinema at Liverpool Lighthouse. It provides an opportunity for local people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in shared experiences which aim to promote happiness – which let's face it, [is] much needed.
"Older community members are excited that their grandchildren will be able to experience the joys of cinema that they remember from visiting Liverpool Lighthouse in their youth. Just to think, 91 years later the doors are opening for cinema."
Liverpool Lighthouse is home to recording studios, workshop rooms and a café. The venue also boasts a 430 seat auditorium where theatre, dance and music shows take place. Liverpool Lighthouse opens as a community cinema on December 3, 2022 after meeting the target of more than £25,000 to buy state-of-the-art equipment needed to transform the auditorium into an authentic cinema experience. It's based at Oakfield Road, Liverpool, L4 0UF. You can book tickets to the launch by clicking here.
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