Last week, thankfully just before the snow descended on us and wreaked havoc with the transport system, our friends at Bath Fine Art held a drinks reception for guests from the Little Theatre, Bath. The reception was held before a special screening of The Smallest Show On Earth, and was also attended by two members of the film’s cast and legends of British cinema, Leslie Phillips and Virginia McKenna.
As well as celebrating the 70th anniversary of feature films at the Little Theatre, the screening kicks off a season of fundraising events, designed to raise money to make vital improvements to the theatre to preserve it for future generations.
Built by community theatre pioneers in 1935, The Little Theatre is still owned and lovingly maintained by the family who built it. The theatre is managed by independent cinema chain, City Screen, who formed in 1989 to challenge the multiplex cinema model and provide cinemas in city centre locations that serve their local communities.
Each cinema is programmed to respond to the needs of its local community, showing a variety of independent and world film, plus a selection of Hollywood blockbusters. A key part of their philosophy is maintaining the individuality of each cinema.
The Little Theatre is one of our favourite places in Bath, with a bar selling hot drinks, beer, wine and sweets, friendly staff who really are ‘fanatical about film’, and interval breaks during longer films to give everyone a chance to stretch their legs and top up their popcorn.
Independent cinemas like The Little are an important part of our culture and heritage, so let’s hope that they can continue to exist alongside the multiplexes for generations to come.
To find out more or to get involved in future fundraising events at The Little Theatre, go to www.lovethelittle.com or email getinvolved@lovethelittle.com
All photography from the event (including this photograph) generously donated by Neil Thayer at LightClix Photography www.lightclix.com
