
Luxe Cinema 2017
Running creative classes in Alexandra House on Alexandra Road has meant I visit that area of Wisbech more than I used to, and I find the Luxe Cinema a lovely place to stop for a coffee, and there’s always a friendly welcome. As many of you will know by now, it’s recently changed hands. Burleigh Ibbott and his family did an amazing job of making their vision of a beautifully stylish independent cinema come true in what was an old, rather plain, building. It has been a popular film venue for many locals as well as those from further afield for some years now, and it’s great to hear it will be continuing its great service and atmosphere under new owners. Nathan Smith, general manager (pictured), was there on the day I went in, so I asked him about the future and how the staff were managing the change.
It was a very upbeat chat. I was pleased to hear that plans Burleigh had for improvements and expansion were either going ahead already or are in the planning stages. The investment from the new owners, in money and time, is good to see. Nathan said he felt they were really keen to understand the venue and the local community, and want to “preserve the uniqueness” of all their cinemas. He also said that as well as a new screen and new seats, they’re getting a “4k digital phospher laser projector, which will produce the best picture on a screen this size in the area”, I’ll be honest and say I don’t know entirely what that means, but it sounded good, so I made a note and thought I’d mention it for all you film nerds out there!
Having been part of community projects using the cinema, and looking at ways to integrate it into my own plans, I was very pleased to hear that community use and collaboration will continue and indeed will grow, so I look forward to hearing more about that once the refurbishment and improvements are complete.
One particular thing I noticed, before as well as now, is the attitude of the staff. They all seem personally invested in the cinema and see it as an integral part of the creative offering of the town. Those I’ve met are local people and really want to see it succeed. I wish them all the best for the future, and as Nathan says: they were proud of it before so they’re pleased it’s been saved and, with the new screen upstairs concept also being taken on board by the new owners, it’s “onwards and upwards for Luxe Wisbech!”