Regal Theatre in Stowmarket celebrates record-breaking year in 2018

A Stowmarket theatre is celebrating its busiest year in 2018, with a record-breaking number of admissions.

The Regal Theatre, in Ipswich Street, saw 67,628 admissions last year - an increase of more than 4,000 since 2017.

David Marsh, manager, said: “It has been an amazing year for the venue, we've increased admissions by almost 7%, with brilliant movies like Bohemian Rhapsody, The Greatest Showman and Mary Poppins Returns doing some tremendous business."

He added: “December has been a great month, we’ve had some fantastic live entertainment on stage, Andy Ottley’s Elvis Tribute and Cara Lea’s Showcase were both sell-out shows and we enjoyed a very busy week with Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society’s production of the Dick Whittington pantomime."

The Regal first opened its doors in 1936 as a 600-seat cinema, with Stowmarket Town Council saving it from closure in 1971.

The next 45 years saw the facility expand, with a café bar, stage, dressing rooms, digital projector and 7.1 sound system added.

A major refurbishment and expansion is also due to take place this year.

David Blackburn, Stowmarket town clerk said: "This is a tremendous achievement for the Regal team. The new record shows how popular the Regal Theatre is within the town.

"We wish to build upon this success and are looking forward to announcing our exciting plans for the future of the theatre in the new year".

The Regal is currently screening Aquaman, The Old Man and the Gun & Mary Poppins Returns.