Popcorn, action! It’s Sophie’s mini cinema
Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date published: 11 August 2010
OLDHAM finally has a cinema back in the town — thanks to an entrepreneurial teenager.
Rather than a big multiplex, “A Small Oldham Cinema Club” is an intimate, independent venture lasting a month — but its creator is hoping its success will ensure a bigger, permanent venue.
Fed-up with a lack of entertainment facilities and nothing to do in Oldham, 17-year-old Sophie Barrott has ploughed her efforts into creating the cinema while studying for A-levels.
The Oldham Sixth Form College student has earned the backing of Oldham Council and a £2,000 lottery grant to install a screen in an empty market hall unit at 12 Albion Street in Oldham town centre.
She has used the money to hire 10 films, a projector, a 100in screen, sound system, seats and to decorate the venue and buy essentials such as popcorn and refreshments. The first screening at the 30-seater cinema is tomorrow.
Sophie, from Royton, said: “I was talking with mum one day about how there’s nothing to do in Oldham any more and how we are constantly bored. She said ‘why don’t you do something about it’.”
Sophie got in touch with the council and was invited to a meeting to discuss her ideas with arts development officer Annie O’Neil, who set about finding a grant.
Family and friends, including her boy friend Shaun Butterworth (20) and project manager Jeremy Davies, have helped out with painting, setting up and ticketing, with mum Beverley even making the curtains.
Sophie — a film studies student — said: “It’s been a lot of hassle, but it’s worth it.”
Tickets are on sale at Oldham Gallery, and a mobile phone number on the back of the ticket is used to book seats by text. Information at http://smallcinema.blog.co.uk
Sophie’s choice...
Tomorrow, 7.30pm: Shaun of the Dead.
Sunday, 2pm: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Thursday, August 19, 7.30pm: Almost Famous.
Friday, August 20, 7.30pm: Me, Myself and Irene.
Saturday, August 21, 8.30pm: A Clockwork Orange.
Thursday, August 26, 7.30pm: American Beauty.
Sunday, August 29, 2pm: Matilda.
Thursday, September 2, 7.30pm: Into The Wild.
Friday, September 3, 8.30pm: Donnie Darko.
Saturday, September 4, 8.30pm: Pulp Fiction.
FULL STORY: see tonight’s Chronicle or read the E-Chron online (subscription required) — click on the E-Chron link
