A new cinema screen has been installed in the main auditorium at Keswick’s Alhambra cinema, replacing one that has been in place for years and is showing signs of damage.
Screen 1 was closed on Monday to allow it to be fitted and when in service it will work with the most modern, low energy, projectors.
The current screen acquired a mark when an over-enthusiastic attender of a kids’ club showing threw something at it.
It received a further dent during last year’s MINT Chinese film festival, when a fan dancer on stage accidentally made contact with it.
“Neither of these minor blemishes has ever attracted complaint from our visitors — but it is time for a change, to ensure we are offering our audience the best viewing experience we can,” said co-director Graham King.
“The removal of the current screen will afford a rare opportunity to see the Alhambra auditorium nearer to its state when it opened almost 110 years ago.
“The original screen —painted on the back wall of the auditorium, at the back of the stage — is still in situ, albeit yellowed with nicotine from years of smoking in the cinema.
“It is rarely visible from the auditorium itself. Likewise, most of the Alhambra’s stage, which was originally installed with a view to musical and other live performances at the venue, as well as films, is normally occupied by the modern screen which is mounted on a frame, with the sound system behind it.”
There were no showings in Screen 2 on Monday until 5.15pm when Dream Scenario was screened.
