EXCITEMENT builds in Christchurch as the Regent Centre have announced they are to open the doors to its newly refurbished theatre on Friday December 2.

Board members of the Christchurch theatre have said they are delighted to be able to bring to their big screen a full line up of dazzling Christmas treats this year, starting with The Royal Ballets much loved production of The Nutcracker.

The £350,000 restoration project, which commenced in late June this year, was completed in October and was due to be opened to the public on Thursday November 12 before the second national lockdown came into force.

General Manager at The Regent Christchurch Matthew Vass-White said: “In tier two we’ll be open as planned from Friday December 4 minus beer and wine sales.

“We’ve already sold out several screenings in their socially distanced form and are really excited to be getting the building open again so our customers can see all the exciting updates we’ve been able to make whilst we’ve been closed.

“These include a newly restored auditorium, foyer and brand-new sound system.”

The Regent Centre are starting their run of festive films and performances with The Nutcracker, a Christmas production by The Royal Ballets to be shown on Thursday December 10.

Other Christmas show’s include music superstar Katherine Jenkins OBE’s Christmas Spectacular, filmed this year especially for cinemas from the iconic Royal Albert Hall, to be screened on Friday December 11 and A Christmas Carol – an immersive adaptation of the family classic, which will be shown on Friday December 18 to Sunday December 20.

The independent theatre will be wrapping up 2020 with the 1947 original Miracle on 34th Street on Christmas eve.

Having been shut since March, The Regent Centre say they are looking forward to greeting customers again and have reassured guests that necessary precautions are being taken to ensure customer safety is adhered to.

Mr Vass-White added: By now, we’re sure our customers will be used to the sensible precautions that local business are taking, and we are no exception.

From staff and volunteer training through to reorganising the way that things happen inside the building, we’re following the guidance laid out to us by the Government and the UK Cinema Association so that everyone can have a fun, relaxed and safe time with us.

The Regent Centre has a full Covid Secure programme in place, certified by Good To Go by Visit England.

To buy tickets, visit www.regentcentre.co.uk.