A WEST Dorset arts venue has scored a major coup after getting a Hollywood star to help launch its new cinema programme.
Brian Cox, the Scottish actor who has starred in countless plays, films, and television programmes, is visiting Lyme Regis for an exclusive event at the Marine Theatre in the new year.
The Succession and Bourne Identity star will be interviewed on stage, before the 1986 film Manhunter - in which Cox played Hannibal Lecter - is shown, with a chance for audience questions too.
After years of fundraising in the community, the Marine said it has now purchased cinema equipment.
Well known as a destination for live music, comedy, theatre and community events, the theatre will now add films to that list.
Lyme lost its cinema when the Regent was destroyed in a devastating fire in 2016 - so the new venture at the Marine fills an important gap.
Read more: When Lyme Regis art deco Regent cinema burnt down in 2016
Brian Cox has been acting for six decades, participating in the worlds of stage, television, and film.
He’s worked with the likes of John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Meryl Streep, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Mann and David Fincher. Now in his 70s, Cox is still going strong, recently playing the fearsome patriarch Logan Roy in the hit TV show Succession.
Director Gabby Rabbitts said: 'I woke up this morning and I had to pinch myself again. We are all so pleased that Brian Cox is coming to our theatre, especially me - some of the characters in Succession remind me of people in my own life!"
She added: "We are now truly delighted to announce cinema as the new jewel in the Marine's crown.
"Over the last three years, we have been hard at work fundraising to offer our local community the very best cinema experience possible without having to travel out of town. Our efforts have now paid off.
"The audience experience has been at the very heart of our plans. We are so pleased to share a full cinema experience with a state-of-the-art DCP projector, new comfortable seating, beautiful golden British velvet curtains and an enhanced cinema sound system.
"Details of films will be shared on the Marine's website - and please look out for special cinema events and family films during holiday times.
"We would like to send a heartfelt thanks to all the organisations that have made the Marine Cinema possible. Our particular thanks to Lyme Regis Town Council whose generous support of not only the cinema project, but continued support of the Marine throughout the years has provided the foundation for the Marine Theatre to build upon.
"Grateful thanks for the support of the Marine Cinema to Dorset Council, Backstage Trust, Garfield Weston and our sponsors Symondsbury Manor & The Seaside Boarding House."
The event takes place on Tuesday, January 28 at 6.30pm with tickets available from marinetheatre.com (early bird £20 and £30 on the door).
They can also be purchased from The Lyme Regis Bookshop, and Bridport Tourist Information Centre. The film programme also starts in January.
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