Shows re-scheduled after Regent Centre fire

A fire in an alley at the side of the Regent Centre on Friday, 13 August destroyed an emergency exit door into the auditorium and disrupted power to the front of the building.

As a result, the Centre has been closed and will be re-opened on Friday, 20 August.

Shows that have been cancelled are: all showings of the film Inception (12A)  up to and including Thursday, 19 August.  The live family show, How the Koala Learnt to Hug.  Refunds are available from the temporary box office at the rear of the Regent in the Studio, which is open daily from 10am.  How the Koala Learnt to Hug has been rescheduled for Monday, 3 January 2011 and Inception will be screened  on 18 and 19 October 2010.

A spokesperson for the Regent Centre management said, “The important thing is that nobody was hurt and the Regent is safe.  Everyone is now working very hard to ensure that the Regent will rise phoenix-like from the ashes and that Christchurch will have its cinema and theatre returned to it on Friday 20 August.

“The management regret all inconvenience caused to the their customers and will resume normal service from Friday morning on 20 August when the electricity will be restored and and damage to the area around the emergency exit door has been repaired.”

The blaze started amongst bundled up cardboard from the shop next door, which was awaiting collection by the refuse lorry.  The cause of the fire is being investigated by Dorset Police and the Fire Brigade.