Film fans flock to movie-night premiere
Date published: 13 August 2010
ENTERPRISING teenager Sophie Barrott pulled off a major coup last night with a successful first night at her new mini-cinema.
The Chronicle told you exclusively on Wednesday how the Oldham Sixth Form College student (17) set to work after growing tired of having nothing to do in the evenings.
Sophie secured a £2,000 lottery grant and the backing of Oldham Council which enabled her to install a screen in an empty market hall unit at 12 Albion Street in Oldham town centre.
And eager film-goers packed into the 30-seat auditorium ahead of the first showing at 7.30 last night.
They tucked into popcorn and enjoyed soft drinks as “Shaun of the Dead” was shown in the intimate theatre.
Sophie, from Royton, drew up a top-10 film list which will be shown over the next month — the length of the project — after asking a Facebook group which films people wanted to see. And when word of her scheme got out, tickets were soon snapped up.
Teenager Grace Bailey was among the audience and gave a thumbs-up to the whole evening.
Grace said: “It was really good. There was a really nice atmosphere and lots of refreshments available. It was better than a massive cinema.
“There weren’t as many people there which made it more comfortable. It was a good choice of film and at £3 a ticket it was good value.”
Sophie who is studying film, fine art and psychology, said: “It’s been a lot of hassle, but well worth it.”
Tickets are on sale at Gallery Oldham at £3 for one film, £6 for three and £10 unlimited.
