National media fame for ‘the cinema that Covid-19 forgot’
FILM fans are continuing to support The Mallard Cinema, which has gained it national attention.
Guernsey’s cinema is the only one in the country open since the UK entered a third lockdown this week – and before that it was the only one since the start of the pandemic at which masks have not had to be worn and social distancing has not been needed.
The Mallard’s success was featured by the Daily Telegraph in an article headlined: ‘No masks, happy families: welcome to the Guernsey cinema that Covid forgot.’
But the current UK lockdown has brought further challenges to the Mallard. Pandemic restrictions have delayed films, with producers wary of releasing them without hopes of a good box office reception.
Screenings were reduced to weekends only during November, in the lull between Halloween and Christmas, but since then the Mallard has been open as usual.
‘November is usually quiet. That and having basically no new films,’ said manager Daniel Phillips-Smith. ‘They are not going to release them just for Guernsey. There are rumours lockdown will last until March, near to when James Bond was rescheduled for.’
Delays to the Bond film, No Time To Die, led to Cineworld closing all of its screens.
Due to a lack of new releases, cinema advert production has stopped, so films are starting sooner.
‘We have seen lots of people come in and have said, the film is about to start, then they make a dash for the pick ‘n’ mix.’
Parties, private screenings, movie marathons and classics revivals have helped to fill seats, with hopes to host Mad Max and Star Wars marathons.
‘We ran a Back To The Future and Harry Potter marathon during the summer. Now the UK has gone back into lockdown, it’s something we may do again,’ said Mr Phillips-Smith.
‘Fantasy seems to be doing well at the moment – it’s such an escape from reality, most people seem to want something as far from current life as possible.
‘Birthday parties have been amazing this month and over Christmas. Our private showings have been good too. Screen two seats 54, so you can have a private screening without it feeling cavernous.’
Comparatively, screen one seats 130, and three and four both seat 74.
Some visitors have a Christmas cinema trip tradition.
‘We have had people come up to us to say one thing which is normal this year is to come and see a Christmas film. A lot of people were relieved, who would usually be going away to visit family.’
Bets are being hedged on the release of highly-anticipated films such as Wonder Woman 84.
‘But it was actually the classics that were the busiest – Elf and Home Alone were the ones which stole Christmas. People came in knowing they would have a good time, which reaffirms that bringing back the classics will help get us through.’
Due for release next Friday were blockbusters Blithe Spirit, starring Dame Judi Dench, and David Bowie biopic Stardust. Blithe Spirit’s release has just been cancelled.
Mr Phillips-Smith said that even if the Mallard has the film, it is electronically locked to stop piracy and can be unlocked only the day before release.
Visiting the cinema offers an immersive experience, big picture and high sound quality.
‘When watching films at home, there are usually so many distractions, which you don’t get here.’
While it has been quieter, cinema-goers have given words of hope and encouragement on their visits, including one couple who visit weekly.
‘We’re optimistic, it’s not where we would like to be but we’ll ride it out until the films come out.’
