The Capitol's successful cinema re-opening

After a successful re-opening last weekend, customers old and new have been enthusing over the fresh appearance of The Capitol Horsham’s interior as well as the opportunity to watch a film after four long months of closure.

The temporary closure of The Capitol building during the Covid19 pandemic provided an excellent opportunity for some of the beautiful original art-deco features to be lovingly refurbished to the former beauty of the building which originally opened in 1936 as an ABC Cinema with just one screen.

Today there are 3 screens and their programme from Friday 24 July will  include Downton Abbey (PG), Eye In The Sky (15), Billy Elliot (15), The Greatest Showman (PG), Portrait of a Lady On Fire (15), Paddington (U) and a Shaun The Sheep film: Farmageddon (U).

The new 4K laser projector on the 12m theatre screen  is proving to be a big hit with Star Wars fans who have been watching The Empire Strikes Back.  Regular film-goer Cameron Rowell said “the slick new film projector in the Main Theatre Auditorium, gives you a super sharp, crystal clear picture”. There’s more to see on the big theatre screen from Friday 24 July with Mamma Mia! The Movie (PG) and Mamma Mia! Here We go Again (PG), the classic Stanley Kubrick space adventure 2001: A Space Odyssey (U) and another superb Star Wars film:The Rise of Skywalker (PG).

An added treat for nostalgic film enthusiasts is the chance to see an original Cinemeccanica ‘Victoria 5’ 35mm film projector on display in the main foyer which was in use at The Capitol from 1986 and decommissioned in 2017. A workhorse of the cinema industry, 35mm film projectors were the main tool for cinemas across the globe from the late 1800’s right up until around 2010-2014.. The Capitol still has the capability of screening a 35mm film in Screen 1 and there are plans to show a selection of films in this format later this year.

Many customers said they were happy to return to The Capitol Cinema feeling safe during their visit, with new measures in place including lots of  sanitising stations and social distancing markers in place as well as contactless payment throughout.

Here’s what some of their customers had to say:

“Had a lovely visit to The Capitol on it’s grand reopening day. The whole place is looking great and there has obviously been a huge amount of work going on ready to welcome us all back. The team were very welcoming as always and I thoroughly enjoyed a nostalgic viewing of Star Wars V on the big screen. Thoroughly recommend a visit....let’s all support our fabulous local venue”.

Tim Shepherd, Horsham

“I was at The Capitol for Empire Strikes Back. Love the way it has been decorated so far and the social distancing put in place is brilliant. I felt so safe there and can't wait to go back”.

Paul Milwright

“So wonderful to be back at The Capitol and see everyone. Lovely welcome from Emma, Cat and the rest of the team. They’ve done an amazing job. It looks great …. check out the beautiful 35mm projector on display!”

Steve R, Horsham

Matthew Effemey, Operations Manager at The Capitol announced “We are delighted to  be offering a selection of fine films many of which the film distributors have allowed us to screen at a discounted rate.  In turn, we are pleased to be able to pass on this saving to our customers which means all tickets from Friday 24 July will be £6 and Family Tickets £20. Tickets for National Theatre Encores will also be discounted to £9 and this offer will run until further notice. We look forward to welcoming back more of our valued customers”

Matthew Effemey, Operations Manager at The Capitol

Full details of this week’s film programme can be found on The Capitol's website.