THERE are plans to make major changes to improve facilities at the historic Regal Cinema in Tenbury.

But the scheme is at an early stage and will require both planning, building regulation approvals and major funding.

The chairman of the Trustees who run the facility, which is owned by Tenbury Town Council, has briefed local MP Harriett Baldwin and the scheme has been considered by the town council.

She has been in discussions with Peter Drew who says that the scheme is at an early stage.

“The Trust has made good progress with plans to redevelop the service block in the function room,” general manager Ian Little told Tenbury Town Council in a report.

“This will provide additional toilet facilities by allowing separation between public and backstage areas.

“The upgraded facilities will make the room more attractive to hire and improved sound proofing will enable two events to be held simultaneously. The provision of two dressing rooms will make the theatre more acceptable to incoming shows and the provision of a fixed bar will allow smaller shows to be booked into the function room and make it a better facility to use when large audiences are expected.

“Additional storage has also been procured so excess tables and chairs can be stored outside of the room.

“The stage curtain motor has been replaced and will now hopefully give problem-free service. The security shutters that secure the auditorium fire doors when not in use have also had a replacement motor.”

Peter Drew told the Advertiser that there is no timetable set for the work.

“With regard to Harriett Baldwin, this in regard to some improvements that we are proposing for the service block in the Regal function room and to separate improvements to the rear of the existing stage,” he said.

“These proposals are at an early stage and remain subject to planning and building regulations approval.

“We are also in the early stage of applications for funding and this is the main reason for seeking the support of Harriett Baldwin, among others.

“While it is too early to be prescriptive about the proposals we are confident that both of the proposed improvements will contribute to a richer experience for the community in Tenbury and the wider local area.”

The Regal, which dates back to the 1930s, is one of the few remaining examples of small-town cinemas from the years between the First and Second World Wars.

It was closed for a year to enable the refurbishment at a cost of £800,000 which was largely paid for from Heritage Lottery Funds.

Tenbury Town Council, who own the building and continue to be responsible for major structural repairs, decided to sub-contract the day-to-day running of the venue to an Independent Trust on a 40-year lease.

New technology has been introduced which enables the Regal to show productions on screen live from all over the country.

However, it is also used for local productions and is preparing for ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, its second pro-am pantomime.