Opening date announced for the PLAZA Cinema in Weston

Merlin Cinemas began nearly 35 years ago with a single-screen cinema in Penzance. Since then, they have saved several traditional cinemas from closure and repurposed a number of other heritage buildings to provide or retain cinemas, from Land’s End to Thurso, near John O’Groats.

The Plaza, in the centre of Weston’s conservation area and heritage action zone, is a beautiful art deco style building that first opened its doors in 1911 as The Electric. In 1935, the cinema was redeveloped as an Odeon Theatre, one of four to be designed by architect T Cecil Howitt. The Plaza’s Compton organ, a unique feature, is one of only two still working in the UK today, and the opening programme includes some special screenings with organ preludes, in association with the Cinema Organ Society.

The Plaza Cinema will open with Wonka from Paddington director, Paul King and starring Timothée Chalamet, Olivia Colman and the scene-stealing Hugh Grant as an Oompah Loompah; Wish, a Disney Animation Studios’ release starring Ariana Debose and Chris Pine; along with Ridley Scott’s Napoleon and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Merlin’s seasonal Christmas Crackers programme offers great value, with their Big and Mini Movie Deals. Classic Christmas films to watch with the family include Elf and Home Alone, and It’s a Wonderful Life, with a performance on Sunday 17 December accompanied by an organ prelude. Maximum savings can be made if you sign up for Merlin’s Movie Magic card which offers Big Screen entertainment at the small price of just £4 all year round.

The programme will also include regular parent and baby, subtitled and relaxed (autism-friendly) screenings.

For more information about Merlin Cinemas or the Plaza Cinema Weston-super-Mare, please contact Mandy Kean, 07973 681 329.