Rock the Royal: Beatles' Old Cinema Turns 88 with a Pavement Party!

The Reel cinema in Plymouth, once known as The Royal, is a historic building where famous artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John performed. The cinema has been closed since 2019, but a group called Save The Royal is working hard to restore it. They are planning a special pavement party to celebrate the cinema's 88th birthday and to remind everyone of its rich history. The party will take place outside the old cinema and will include music, a film quiz, and a free concert.

Karl Parsons, the campaign chairman, and volunteer Caroline Blacker are leading the effort. They believe the cinema is an important part of Plymouth's history and should not be demolished. The building was opened in 1938 and has survived many changes, including damage during World War Two. Over the years, it has been a place where people could escape from their worries and enjoy movies and live performances.

The campaigners want to turn the cinema into a lively community space. Their plans include two cinema screens, a rooftop cocktail bar, a cafe, a restaurant, and rooms for people to stay in. They also want to create spaces for theater groups, art galleries, and workshops. As part of their project, they are collecting stories from people who remember visiting the cinema, especially when they were teenagers. The birthday party is a way to bring the community together and show how much the cinema means to Plymouth. The organizers hope that by celebrating its history, they can inspire more people to support their efforts to save and restore the building.