Historic city film screening marks cinema’s 80th year

Jan 11 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

THE Woolton Picturehouse last night celebrated its 80th birthday in style as a sell-out “house” sat back and enjoyed Liverpool on Film – a fascinating production showing the changes the city has seen over the years.

No-one could have thought that the classic little cinema had closed its curtains for the last time in September, 2006, after the death of previous owner David Wood.

However, after various campaigns and fundraising events, The Woolton – Liverpool’s oldest independent cinema – found new owners and reopened last March, much to the delight of assistant manager Mark Price.

“It’s fantastic we’re able to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the cinema. It shows places like this can still have a future,” he said.

Since its relaunch last year, business at the cinema has been steady, and Mr Price thinks events like last night will help to raise the profile of the cinema.

He explained: “We need to make sure that people know we are up and running again. Recently, we have been relying on the local community but hopefully we can attract people from farther away.”

Audience members young and old turned up in their droves and it was particularly pleasing for Mr Price that the next generation of film watchers enjoy the silver screen experience.

“We were glad that younger members of the public were showing an interest and enjoying the cinema, because we need them in order to be successful in the years to come.”

Last night’s production, assembled from the region’s film archives, showed footage of Liverpool from as early as 1897 in which the Lumiere Brothers gave their views of the city and the River Mersey. There was also a restored colour newsreel which, for the older viewers, brought back memories of when trams and overhead railways were prominent.

The Woolton also made sure the journey back in time was even more authentic as they invited organist player Christopher Thompson to add sound to the images.

The night was a definite success and Mr Price, from Walton, was always confident that it would be as soon as the tickets went on sale and thinks that there will be more events similar to Liverpool on Film.

“We were amazed at the demand for tickets. With 2008 being Culture year, I feel people will want to come to a historic place like this to learn about the city’s past,” he said.