As the new cinema adjacent to Derngate auditorium continues to take shape, Royal & Derngate has revealed that it will be called the Errol Flynn Filmhouse, named after the Hollywood legend who spent his early acting career with the Northampton Repertory Company, working in the Royal Theatre.
Royal & Derngate Chief Executive Martin Sutherland explains: “We thought long and hard about how to name our brand new cinema, but we kept coming back to the one, genuine A-list connection that Northampton and our theatres have to Hollywood and the movies, which is Errol Flynn. Though his private life was at times controversial, there is no escaping the fact that he was the most famous film actor of his generation. We like to think his success is in part due to his time here, developing as an actor as he trod the boards in The Royal. As the cultural quarter emerges, now is the time to acknowledge this important element of Northampton’s cultural heritage.”
Managed by Royal & Derngate, in partnership with Cityscreen, the leading independent cinema operator in the UK, the Errol Flynn Filmhouse will host the very best in world, independent, British and mainstream film, broadening the range of films available in the town centre to the discerning Northamptonshire movie-goer.
The 90-seat cinema will offer an unrivalled experience, where audiences can enjoy state of the art sound and digital film projection from the comfort of luxurious leather seating, with individual side tables, allowing them to sample a wide-range of continental beers and wine and some locally sourced produce, all delivered with first class service.
Along with additional events such as film-maker Q&A sessions, film festivals and themed seasons, there are plans to have specialised screenings, for example of matinee showings for the over 60s or baby friendly screenings.
The cinema is expected to open in June, and members of the public can follow the progress of the build, captured on a webcam, by going to http://cinecam.namtrust.co.uk
