The University of Westminster’s Regent Street Cinema has announced a series of activities to mark the 130th anniversary of its first public moving image screening in the United Kingdom. The celebrations will feature Have I Got News for You comedian Paul Merton, iconic screenings and the launch of a new film critic mentorship programme for University of Westminster students as part of the University’s Zone29 career and enterprise support offering.
The series will run throughout February to commemorate a historic moment in 1896, when the Lumière brothers presented their Cinématographe at the Royal Polytechnic Institution theatre which is now the Regent Street Cinema. This landmark event, which heralded the birth of British cinema, marked the first time seven minutes of moving images were shown to a paying public audience in the UK. In recognition of this unique historical significance, the British Film Institute (BFI) awarded the cinema an official commemorative plaque.
Despite its illustrious start, financial pressures took their toll and in 1980 the cinema shut its doors to the public. But 35 years later the venue was restored to its original purpose. The three-year restoration project brought life back to the art deco features and transformed the space back to its former glory.
As part of the celebrations the cinema will hold From Lumière to Lloyd: Silent Comedy on 13 February. Renowned comedian and film historian Paul Merton will host the night, presenting a curated selection of classic silent comedies, including Harold Lloyd’s Speedy (1928), selected clips from the Lumière’s catalogue and Laurel & Hardy’s Two Tars (1928). The evening will feature live accompaniment on the cinema’s historic 1936 Compton organ, which was refurbished in 2022.
Paul Merton said: “I’m thrilled beyond measure to be presenting some of the best silent comedies as they should be seen, with brilliant musical accompaniment, in this iconic historical venue. Come and enjoy big laughs on the big screen.”
Professor Peter Bonfield with the British Film Institute (BFI) official commemorative plaque
Throughout February the cinema will also feature Launching Decades of Cinema: A Journey Through Cinematic History, which will showcase iconic films from the 1930s to the present day at a special admission price of £4. Films include Gone with the Wind, Singin' in the Rain, Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction and Some Like It Hot.
On 20 February, the focus shifts to the future with a panel discussion on the future of film criticism after a screening of Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Panellists include three University of Westminster students participating in a new mentorship programme titled Emerging Film Critics from Underrepresented Communities, which is funded as part of the University's Access and Participation Plan. Alongside them will be Helen O'Hara, Empire’s Editor at Large and film journalist, Clarisse Loughrey, chief film critic for The Independent, and Barry Levitt, a freelance journalist. Jane Crowther, Chair of the London Critics' Circle Film Section will moderate.
Billy Watson, Managing Director of the Regent Street Cinema, said: "As the birthplace of British cinema, we have a responsibility not only to honour our 130-year legacy but to foster the next generation of film talent. This anniversary celebrates the enduring magic of the moving image from the Lumière brothers to the film reviewers of tomorrow."
Through its array of events and mentor programmes the cinema directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Film and Television courses at the University of Westminster.
Get tickets for the 130th anniversary celebrations.
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