James Bond is heading for the Alhambra – although the Keswick cinema’s licence to thrill has been delayed a fortnight.
After nine months of intense refurbishment work, the team at the cinema were hoping to reopen in time for the much-anticipated nationwide launch of the latest 007 film No Time To Die yesterday.
But despite working round the clock, the £300,000 facelift has not quite been finished in time – meaning the premiere has been pushed back to October 15.
Tickets are on sale now though so 007 fans in Keswick can book their seats for the highly anticipated premiere.
“It’s disappointing, but we think that when people come through the doors and see what we’ve done here they will be blown away,” said co-owner Jonathan Moore.
“And the phone has been ringing off the hook with ticket inquiries.
“There’s nothing quite like a Bond film, especially watching it on the big screen.”
Work on the 108-year-old cinema has included the installation of a new state-of-the-art 29-seater Screen 2, while preserving the integrity of the traditional balcony-and-stalls layout and immaculately preserved century-old interior.
“We’re very nearly there, but there are still some finishing touches to be made,” Jonathan said.
“For the last week everybody’s been working like mad and we’re really thrilled at the transformation.”
No Time To Die is the 25th movie in the Bond series, and features Daniel Craig in his last outing as the suave British spy.
It was due to be released in April 2020, but was delayed due to COVID.
Movie insiders say the success of the £215m blockbuster is crucial to the future of the cinema industry, which is under threat from the rise in popularity of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon and Disney+.
Meanwhile, 007 fan Jonathan got the chance to don a tuxedo and get behind the wheel of an Aston Martin during a visit to the county by members of the Aston Martin Touring Club last weekend.
He also rubbed shoulders with a pair of Bond girls – courtesy of the Keswick Falcons women’s rugby team.
“The Touring Club were stopping off for coffee at Bassenthwaite station on their way to lunch at Armathwaite Hall,” Jonathan said.
“The Aston Martin is synonymous with James Bond, so it was an opportunity too good to miss!”
Tickets for No Time To Die are on sale now at the Keswick Alhambra cinema.
