It barely seems possible, but it has been fifteen years since the Luxe Cinema, Wisbech, first opened its doors. The former Women’s Institute Hall had been transformed into a quirky little cinema by Burleigh Ibbott – the first in the town since the Unit One (formerly The Hippodrome) and the Empire stopped screening films years earlier.
A lot has happened in those fifteen years, but we are still here, and we are pleased to have a special film and event programme to celebrate.
The Luxe has always striven to show the biggest blockbusters, the most incredible indie films, short films, and documentaries.
We have brought filmmakers to the town for Q&A sessions, alongside our usual offering of Event Cinema – be it ballet, theatre, opera of concerts.
Our mini stage has played host to magicians, comedians, shanty singers and local acting troupes.
We have always seen ourselves as part of the heart of the town and believe that by supporting our communities with fundraising efforts (most recently a fantastic Shanty Night in support of The Friends of Wisbech Museum) and ensuring that we champion local people – that has paid off.
That commitment has never changed.
We have taken many hits over the last few years, and the challenges keep coming. Despite it all, we have had tens of thousands of guests sitting in our auditorium and enjoying a film.
We are just about to lay out plans for further improvements to the building and we are committed to making sure that there is a cinema in the heart of the town.
Running between Friday 19th April until Thursday 25th April
THE PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Skyfall (2012)
Our BIGGEST EVER film in terms of attendance, we are bringing back the best of the Daniel Craig Bond films. On Saturday 20th April we will be holding a celebration evening, looking back at the last fifteen years followed by the film.
Party Wear very much encouraged.
We have an afternoon matinee planned for Tuesday 23rd April.
The Smallest Show on Earth (1957)
Classic British Comedy – starring Bill Travers, Virginia McKenna, Peter Sellers, and the legendary Margaret Rutherford – set around a small fleapit cinema with an eccentric selection of aging staff. What could be more appropriate for us to screen on our anniversary?
Showings: Friday 19th April: 15:00, Saturday 20th April: 13:00, Sunday 21st April: 12:30, Wednesday 24th April: 11:15 and Thursday 25th April: 15:45.
Classic Living Dead Double Feature
Two of George A Romero’s legendary Living Dead movies (Night of the Living Dead and Day of the Dead) presented alongside retro trailers and an introduction from our resident horror expert Emily. Showing for One Night Only on Monday 22nd April: 19:15
Robot Dreams (2023)
The Academy-Award Nominated Animated Movie that is perfect viewing for all ages. A lonely dog in 1980’s New York orders a mechanical best-mate and soon embarks on a giddy adventure until a trip to the beach threatens their happiness.
This is similar in tone to The Iron Giant and the Wallace and Gromit films; we are VERY excited to introduce audiences to the emotional charm of the film.
Showing: Friday 19th April: 17:30, Saturday 20th April: 10:15, Sunday 21st April: 10:00 and Monday 22nd April: 16:45. We have also organised a special Sensory Screening of Robot Dreams to be held on Sunday 21st April: 14:45.
National Theatre Live: Nye
The 100th NT Live broadcast for cinemas features Michael Sheen as Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan in this fantastical and spectacular take on the man who created the NHS. Tuesday 23rd April: 19:00
The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake
The iconic classic returns to the Luxe as part of the 2023/24 Royal Opera House Live Season. One of the world’s most beloved ballets. Wednesday 24th April: 19:15
The Grand Finale: Alice Howe & Freebo – Live on Stage
We are so excited to end our week of celebration with a night of live music. Take your seat for an incredible, emotive evening of music and entertainment. Alice and Freebo are visiting us as part of their European Tour.
Thursday 25th April: 19:30
The author of this article is Nathan Smith, general manager of the Luxe cinema, Wisbech.
