For the residents of Thames, the lights are flickering against the backdrop of a silver screen once again, and popcorn is back on the menu.
Three-and-a-half years after the lights went dim on the town’s Embassy Theatre after 108 years, Thames is back from the cinematic dead with a new movie theatre.
David Mulholland, a former Wellington civil servant and relative newcomer to town, is the lead character in this new chapter for Thames movie enthusiasts.
Mulholland spent several months preparing the Left Bank Theatre for its grand opening last Friday and gave Seven Sharp a guided tour of the new picture house.
“I love it. For me, it’s like a community living room. That’s what I wanted,” said Mulholland, describing the cinema’s cosy decor, filled with soft furnishing.
Mulholland had a full house for the opening, with an audience of 28, including Thames film group members.
“The film group has been in recess for the last three years. They’re filling the space, and it’s for a wonderful film with subtitles, which I love.”
But not every movie he plans to screen will be subtitled.
“There will be everything from kids’ movies to old-times movies and the latest releases as well,” he said.
Blockbusters, too, are on the menu.
“People might have to wait a few months for when they’re more affordable.”
The community has rallied to support Mulholland’s project.
“He’s pulled this out of the hat, worked his butt off and got it together. It’s a huge project; it’s not an easy thing to do,” said Thames local Chris Mules.
Cinema supporter Nigel Sparrow said: “I think we’re going to see a sort of social change in a small but significant way as a result of [the cinema].”
The Left Bank Theatre has been a labour of love for Mulholland, and he is excited to bring a cinema experience back to Thames.
“I’m thrilled. [The cinema] is the culmination of a dream, and it’s better than I ever imagined.”
