Much-loved Sheffield cinema announces reopening date

The Showroom, on Paternoster Row, hopes to return on Friday, September 18, the venue’s CEO Ian Wild has confirmed.

While highlighting the fact that this coming weekend is four months since the cinema had to close because of lockdown, Mr Wild – who also runs the Workstation centre next door – said: “It's been incredibly hard, however, we are now looking forward and have marked the day we aim to reopen.

“This date will allow us enough time to properly plan our reopening. There are also lots of new exciting films scheduled for release around this time that we can’t wait to screen.

“We are currently working on detailed risk assessments for the cinema and bar, which will help us to work out our opening hours and the number of films we can show. Over the summer, we will make the necessary changes to our building to allow us to operate as safely as possible, following Government guidance. Making sure our staff, audience and customers feel safe, relaxed and enjoy their experience is our utmost priority.”

But he added: “Like all well-made plans, this date may change. Two months is some time away, and there are still a lot of uncertainties on how the country will look by then. We are also awaiting news on the Government's £1.57 billion culture grant and how we can apply. Without additional money and support, the Showroom will not be able to continue as we would want.

“Thank you for all your support during this uncertain time. There is still a long way to go, but to sit at the heart of Sheffield’s community and culture has and always will be our goal, and we can’t wait to return.”

The Showroom opened fully in 1995 – it brings audiences the latest films across four screens, from mainstream movies to foreign pictures, as well as educational classes, talks and special seasons dedicated to critically-acclaimed directors. It also has a high-quality café bar.

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