The Regal Cinema
First opening its doors in 1933, The Regal Cinema in Fordingbridge was originally built in a classic Art Deco style, seating around 290 picturegoers. It thrived for decades, serving as a vital community hub - especially during the Second World War, when locals gathered to watch newsreels and seek a few hours of well-earned escape at the movies.
Following the rise of television and shifting social trends, the cinema sadly closed in 1965. The building was later transformed into the home of Branksome China pottery, during which time the main auditorium was gutted, leaving only the original foyer untouched.
In 2016, the building was purchased by a local business and thoughtfully restored to house residential apartments and a luxurious, modern 30-seat community cinema, which opened in the summer of 2017. Featuring a state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos surround sound system and a 4K projector, the experience of watching a film or live theatre event (e.g. National Theatre, Ballet & Opera) is enhanced by comfortable seats with plenty of legroom and air conditioning.
Today, the cinema is supported by Larasian Ltd and managed by the Fordingbridge Regal Cinema Club (FRCC). Operated as a not-for-profit club, it relies on a small operational team alongside around 40 dedicated volunteers who keep the magic of film alive in Fordingbridge.
Get Involved
We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our friendly team! Roles include greeting guests, checking tickets, running the bar before screenings, and operating the projection technology. Full training is provided, and our volunteers enjoy regular social gatherings and exclusive special screenings. If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.