regal cinema’s final curtain

The sad news comes just two months after the death of its former owner, John Merryweather (65), who took over the 1930s King Street cinema with wife, Carol, in 2000.

Concerns were raised on Friday when a notice was put on the doors telling customers that the day’s performances were cancelled due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

This week it was confirmed directors of Cinema Solutions Ltd, trading as The Regal Cinema, had ‘considered its financial position and resolved the company should be put into voluntary liquidation.’

Professional services firm RSM Tenon Recovery is organising a creditors’ meeting in Leicester on July 12 when the Regal will formally enter voluntary liquidation. A full report and statement of affairs will also be presented.

A RSM Tenon spokesman said: “We were instructed last week. Our duty is to realise the company’s assets for creditors. The purpose of the creditors’ meeting is to appoint a liquidator and, if the creditors wish, a liquidation committee.”

After his death, John’s family said they had adopted his motto ‘the show must go on’ but asked customers to bear with them through the difficult time.

John’s wife, Carol, who along with their son, Neil, daughter Claire and long-time friends Lesley Parker and Alan Jones helped John run the Regal over the years, was too upset to comment this week.

Since breaking the news on our website, the Melton Times has received numerous comments from readers including via Twitter and Facebook.

Andrew Revell, of Sproxton, said: “It’s with great disappointment that I read of the closure of the Regal Cinema. I have very fond memories of going with my dad to see ‘Honey, I Shrunk The Kids’ in 1989. I wish all the staff at the Regal the best for the future.”

Stuart Fotheringham, of Asfordby, said: “I’m reading on the website that the Regal could be closing its doors for good. When you think how much work people have put into it, like the late Mr Merryweather, it’s so sad. This would be the final straw as there will nothing for people to do in Melton. We need people to get behind the cinema, come on Melton.”

And another cinema-goer said: “It’s sad news. Hopefully someone will buy the business and keep the cinema going but I guess it depends on the situation of the business.”