Regal Cinema

garypainter on June 8, 2008 at 5:17 am

Although one of the previous Flickr photos describes the cinema as closed, this was never the case – the bingo operation has been open constantly since the building ceased to function as a cinema, albeit with changes of management.

The attempt to re-introduce cinema screenings in light of the 2006 smoking ban was not full-time, but took place on quieter evenings of the week, with bingo continuing at all other times. This actually used DVD projection, although the original sound system was still used, with only the main speaker horn requiring replacement. The digital projector was situated in the original projection box, with the old 35mm projectors pushed to one side.

Cinema screenings took place

The occasional first-run film was shown using 35mm film projection on
hired equipment installed temporarily in the stalls – cinema seating was in the balcony only, the stalls having housed bingo tables fonow.

Although regular film screenings have now ceased, the building still screens the odd film, usually as part of a programme of events sponsored by Strathclyde Police, designed to occupy children during school holidays.

Bingo use continues more-or-less full-time again, as of 2008.

A photo survey and history can be found here:

http://www.scottishcinemas.org.uk/scotland/lanark/