Desperate appeal to save historic The Royal (Reel) Cinema with Crowdfunder appeal

It once hosted The Beatles, and was born in the golden age of cinema - now a passionate community campaign has launched a crowdfunder appeal to save the former Royal Cinema, the Art Deco landmark on Notte Street, from an uncertain future.

The "Save The Royal Cinema fighting fund" aims to raise an initial £5,000 to bolster efforts to acquire the building, which is currently up for sale, and transform it into a vibrant cultural and community hub.

The historic edifice, known in recent years as the Reel Cinema, holds a storied past stretching back to its opening on July 15, 1938. Built on the site of the former Theatre Royal, the Royal Cinema was a grand creation by Associated British Cinemas (ABC), boasting 2,404 seats and a magnificent Compton organ.

Beyond its cinematic purpose, the venue was fully equipped for live performances, featuring a stage and dressing rooms that welcomed a host of stars.

Notably, the iconic comedy duo Morecambe and Wise once graced its stage, adding to the building's rich theatrical legacy. The cinema also lays claim to hosting The Beatles and Tom Jones in the 1960s, cementing its place in Plymouth’s cultural memory.

After a renovation, it was rebranded as ABC in 1958. In 1976, the building underwent a significant conversion, reopening as a triple-screen cinema and bingo club.

Despite ownership changes and a temporary closure due to flooding in 2018, the cinema continued to operate until its permanent closure on February 28, 2019.

But recently the cinema owner has submitted a notice of intent to sell its leasehold on the building - with fears it might be torn down and the land "developed" into flats. That has triggered the process which gives the community benefit society until September to come up with a viable scheme for a community takeover.

The building is listed as an Asset of Community Value. A crowdfunder, initiated by Hilary Kolinsky, will fund crucial campaigning costs, including website development, printing, meetings, and professional advice for their bid.

The vision is ambitious: to re-establish the Royal Cinema as a mixed-use cultural destination, incorporating cinema screens, a gallery, a café/bar, live performance spaces, and rehearsal rooms, positioning Plymouth as a cultural beacon in the South West.

Karl Parsons, Chair of the Plymouth Royal Cinema CBS, said “This is our only chance to save a much-loved part of Plymouth’s history and culture, a true survivor from the glory days of British cinema.  It’s a big challenge, but with enough support we believe we can do it!”

The community hopes that public support will help write a new, brighter chapter for this cherished piece of Plymouth’s heritage.

Crowdfunder: support the appeal by clicking here