'Wicked Little Letters' premiered at last night's 10th anniversary of the Odyssey cinema.
The Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley film is set for release tomorrow (February 23) but, as with last year's anniversary celebration, the St Albans cinema secured an early showing.
Beginning at 7.30pm yesterday (Wednesday, February 21), a number of celebratory videos were shown prior to the movie, including a message from Wonka director Paul King.
As was the case last year, drinks and cakes were served in the historic location.
St Albans mayor Cllr Anthony Rowlands also gave a speech before the film got underway, describing The Odyssey as "a beacon" in the city.
A packed theatre then watched on as the latest in 10 years of films was shown for their enjoyment.
The Odyssey celebrated its eighth anniversary in 2023, due to the impact of Covid-19 - the global pandemic ruining The Odyssey's "cinematic flow" at the time.
However, one year and 1.25 million tickets later, the team at the cinema "couldn't wait" any longer with their anniversaries now "back on track".
The Odyssey itself dates back to 1908, but was left derelict for around 15 years prior to its purchase in 2010.
The cinema was then taken on by a team, some of whom had previously resurrected The Rex in Berkhamsted.
A local fundraising campaign - which raised £1 million in the space of a few months - helped to purchase and restore the cinema to its 1930s-era design, after it had been split into four screens.
There is now one large screen, with both upstairs and downstairs seating. A range of historic details have either been restored or recreated within the building.
With exterior refurbishments - to the front façade and rear brickwork - completed over the past year, attention now turns to the interior of the cinema.
SUGGESTED READING
A newly refurbished bar area can be seen downstairs, along with improvements to the building's toilet facilities.
David Williams, a member of the cinema's board of directors, thanked the St Albans community for their ongoing support over the past 10 years.
Special thanks was also given to the centre's staff - likewise praised by Mayor Anthony Rowlands - who have been going the extra mile and even dressing up for certain showings.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here