Cinema to open in Newmarket for first time in decades

The cinema will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, around the planned theatre schedule

A cinema is set to open inside a theatre, giving a town its first picture house in decades.

Abbeygate Cinema announced it had begun constructing a cinema within Kings Theatre in Newmarket, Suffolk.

Kings Cinema will open in April and will operate between Wednesdays and Sundays, while theatre productions will continue as planned.

Abbeygate general manager Gareth Boggis said: "We look forward to building a loyal local audience in Newmarket."

The company has operated the three-screen cinema of the same name in Bury St Edmunds since 2014.

Mr Boggis said: "We have several members who come to Abbeygate from Newmarket, which despite its closeness, is not always an easy journey."

Abbeygate has operated a cinema in Bury St Edmunds since 2014

He added the group was "delighted" to bring a community cinema to the town.

The cinema was made possible through a partnership with Newmarket Operatic, Musical & Dramatic Society (NOMADS) and the Newmarket Charitable Foundation, who have funded the project.

Josh Schumann, executive director for charity, said: "Abbeygate's experience and expertise has enabled us to realise our dream to open an independent cinema in Newmarket.

"The charity is thrilled to be able to fund the project knowing we have a wonderful venue and a brilliant team from Abbeygate working together to ensure the cinema is a success."

Construction has seen the installation of equipment to turn the existing theatre into a dual purpose venue, said the picture house.

Its programme will include a "broad range" of mainstream movies and arthouse films.