Regent Cinema, Lyme Regis

The Regent was opened in 1937 by a local cinema operator, Mr Donald Hardy. It was designed by Bristol based architect W.H.Watkins who was responsible for a large number of cinemas in the Bristol and South West areas.

It is designed in late Art Deco "streamlined" style, on a stadium plan. Originally it had a "Hollophane" lighting system whereby motorised dimmers slowly changed and mixed red, blue and green lights, concealed in troughs, to bathe the auditorium and elaborate wave-like proscenium surround in coloured light.

Other than thorough refurbishment there have been very few (and no structural) alterations to this building. On the basis that it is a very fine example of a small seaside-town Art Deco cinema which has survived intact. It has been listed Grade 2 by English Heritage.

Mr. Hardy, a well known and respected local businessman, operated the cinema until the early 1970’s when he sold a controlling interest to the late Mr. Gordon Vearncome who also ran cinemas at Tiverton and South Molton. Ownership then passed to the late Mr. C.C.W.Scott and thence into Scott Cinemas.

Technical Details:

The Regent is equipped with NEC Digital projection, Dolby 3D and Dolby 5.1 channel Digital Sound providing state of the art picture and sound quality.

The 35mm Phillips DP70 projector has also been retained for special performances, or where digital copies may not be available.

Screen width is 8.8m (29') when set to CinemaScope