Newmarket to get new independent cinema within Kings Theatre

A new independent cinema is opening at the town's Kings Theatre which will be converted into a dual-purpose venue.

Abbeygate Cinema, in partnership with the Newmarket Operatic, Musical and Dramatic Society (NOMADS) and the Newmarket Charitable Foundation, will open the town’s only cinema in April.

Newmarket has been without a cinema for decade, after the Doric cinema closed in 1964 and the Kingsway in 1977.

Gareth Boggis, general manager of Abbeygate, said: “We are delighted to partner on this project which brings community cinema to Newmarket, which has had no cinema provision for many years.

"We have several members who come to Abbeygate from Newmarket, which despite its closeness, is not always an easy journey.

“We look forward to building a loyal local audience in Newmarket. A team from Abbeygate will manage the operation.”

The team will include be Pat Church who was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2022 for more than 55 years service to the Abbeygate cinema.

The new venue in Newmarket will show mainstream and arthouse films Wednesday through Sunday, with theatre productions continuing in line with planned schedules.

Josh Schumann, executive director for the Newmarket Charitable Foundation, said: “Abbeygate’s experience and expertise has enabled us to realise our dream to open an independent cinema in Newmarket, the benefit to NOMADS and The Kings Theatre makes this project even more special.

“The charity is thrilled to be able to fund the project knowing we have a wonderful venue and a brilliant team from Abbeygate working together to ensure the cinema is a success.”

There are also longer-term refurbishment plans for the theatre bar and other facilities throughout 2024.

Abbeygate Cinema currently has one community cinema in Bury St Edmunds, with three screens.

There has been strong public demand for a cinema in Newmarket in recent years, with various ideas floated.