Cameras roll as cinema club finds a new home

Ready to roll . . . Small Cinema Club founder Sophie Barrott (left) with (from left) Ben Abbott, Barrie Cottam and Shaun Butterworth

Sophie to screen films at Shaw theatre

FILM fans can soon enjoy a trip to the flicks in Oldham once more thanks to the welcome return of the Small Oldham Cinema Club.

Sophie Barrott (17) is bringing back her popular venture for two nights at the Playhouse 2 in Shaw in November and December.

And the one-off film screenings could become monthly events, bringing the first cinema back to Oldham since the Roxy, in Hollinwood, closed its doors in September, 2005.

Sophie, from Riverdale Close, Royton, featured in the Chronicle earlier this year when she originally set up her 30-seat cinema on August 12 with the help of a £2,000 lottery grant.

Supported by Oldham Council, she installed a screen in an empty market hall unit in Oldham town centre and showed films to the general public for a month.

Sophie, a final-year student at Oldham Sixth Form College, said: “After the project ended, I was approached by Barrie Cottam from Playhouse 2 in Shaw, which was a total surprise.

“They offered me their help and the fantastic venue for two dates this year, with the hope of it becoming a more permanent fixture.

“If successful, the club could be held at the theatre once a month during 2011.

“The venue itself used to be a cinema and films haven’t been shown there for over 40 years — until now.”

The club’s new home has 150 seats, surround sound, a huge dro-down screen and a licensed bar.

On November 4, the Guy Fawkes Night-themed film “V for Vendetta” will be shown at 8pm.

Tickets cost £3 and are available by email, xsophiexbarrottx@hotmail.co.uk , or on the night. 

A Christmas themed film will be shown on December 20.