the regal cinema
the history of our building
Since its opening in 1938, the Regal Cinema in Grimsby has become a beloved historical landmark in the area. It was built to replace the Royal Theatre on Victoria Street and began screening films shortly after its completion.
The Regal quickly became known for its panoramic screens and vibrant atmosphere. Many might remember watching classic movies or attending special events like chorale recitals, symphony concerts, and other performances.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the cinema underwent changes to keep up with technological innovations as well as customer demand. In 1968 an extension was added onto the building to increase seating capacity, adding two extra theatre rooms and a larger screen to accommodate roadshows and more informative film programs.
In August 1977 ‘Star Wars – A New Hope’ had its British premiere at the Regal Cinema which generated much hype in the press and amongst locals who eagerly waited hours in long queues to be one of first people to experience George Lucas’ epic space opera movie blockbuster.
By 1992, however, competition from multiplexes forced many independent cinemas such as The Regal out of business, the building was then taken over as an Odeon cinema, eventually closing it’s doors in 2002 before becoming the Activity Centre we now know and love.
Today some parts of the original cinema’s foyer and grand staircase still remain and we’re always more than happy to give you a look inside whenever we can!
