EastEnders star relaunches historical cinema

EastEnders star Michelle Collins has helped to relaunch a cinema that was saved from closure.

Last year, it looked like Reel Cinema in Borehamwood would have to close, until the town and borough councils stepped in.

The area was once home to six major film studios and still hosts Elstree Studios, Sky Studios Elstree and the BBC Elstree Centre, where EastEnders is filmed.

Hertsmere Borough Council leader Jeremy Newmark said "it was almost unthinkable that Borehamwood should be left without a cinema" given its industry connections.

The cinema has been refurbished and renamed Reel Studio 70, commemorating the historical Studio 70 cinema on Shenley Road that opened in 1936 and was demolished in 1981, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Screens are expected to be occasionally made available for community use as part of the deal to save the venue.

To mark the cinema’s relaunch, an exhibition has been put on about the 110-year history of film and television at Elstree.

Among the items on show are MGM lettering from the tower at their studios, the model of Tower Bridge used in 2014’s Paddington in Peru, photos of King Charles’ visit to Elstree Studios in 1999, and a director’s jacket worn by Scooter on the set of The Muppets in 1976.

Deputy town mayor Dan Ozarow said many people had "come together to keep Hollywood in Borehamwood", including film industry workers past and present, students, TV stars, councillors and residents.

Mr Ozarow said the "spectacular exhibition" would "encapsulate both the historic heritage and current vibrancy of our film and television sector".

Mr Newmark said the relaunch was "fantastic for the town and the wider area".

"With such a proud film and television heritage, it was almost unthinkable that Borehamwood should be left without a cinema for our residents at the heart of the community," he added.

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