WISBECH: Fenland gets a striking new cinema and you can even drink whilst watching a film

By ADAM LAZZARI THE Luxe Cinema in Wisbech is as striking as its owner s name. Burleigh Ibbott opened the Alexandra Road premises on March 14. It is the first time the town has had a cinema since 1982. Visitors will walk in to find a luxurious bar area, w

By ADAM LAZZARI

THE Luxe Cinema in Wisbech is as striking as its owner's name.

Burleigh Ibbott opened the Alexandra Road premises on March 14.

It is the first time the town has had a cinema since 1982.

Visitors will walk in to find a luxurious bar area, which is open not only to film-goers, and comfortable leather seats.

Unlike most cinemas, The Luxe is fully licensed and customers can take alcohol in with them as they watch a film.

For �16 film-goers can even get premier seats and waitress service, and text the bar whenever they want food or drink.

Mr Ibbott, 43, who is from East London and has worked in events management, said: "This has been a four-year project and I'm delighted to finally open.

"I spotted a niche in the market. There is very little in the way of entertainment in Wisbech.

"I want to offer people something different to what is at the bigger cinemas in King's Lynn, Peterborough, and Cambridge."

Mr Ibbott's passion for cinema began more than 20 years ago when he worked as a projector's assistant.

This is the first time he has run a business and he is confident, that in spite of the current economic climate, it will be successful.

"It's gone well so far and I've already seen people come back.

"I want the people of Wisbech to feel some ownership and pride in their cinema and to see it's not just run by a big, faceless company."

The cinema has one screen and 69 seats.

Mr Ibbott said he plans to show between two and three films a week, including children's films, classics and latest releases.

These will usually be shown two or three weeks after they have been at multiplex cinemas.

The cinema has been given the backing of one of Wisbech's most famous residents.

Victoria Gillick, who hit national headlines in the 1980s for starting a nationwide campaign to prevent doctors prescribing contraception to under-16s, said: "This place is a little jewel in Wisbech's crown.

"Burleigh Ibbott should be congratulated for bringing a much-needed source of entertainment for the people of the town."

For more on The Luxe, visit www.theluxecinema.com