Everything from Oscar winners to Pixar family favourites will be coming to a screen near you when a new boutique cinema opens in Chipping Norton.
The Living Room Cinema, a community-focused two-screen cinema, will open in late spring of this year.
It will occupy the former homeware and DIY store Harpers which closed in 2016 due to decreasing footfall.
The site will be run by the founder and the executive team behind the highly successful The Living Room Cinema in Liphook in Hampshire.
The company says it will play "a leading role in the regeneration of Chipping Norton’s high street by repurposing the shopfront of the historic ‘Harpers’ building and transforming it into a destination venue that transcends a chain cinema experience".
Harpers had been a cornerstone of the Chipping Norton High Street for over four decades but has been left empty for many years.
The cinema will run a bespoke film programme, stock local products and offer some employment opportunities.
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The film programme will be diverse, showcasing a range of popular and award-winning new releases, independent titles, family films, and under our ‘Living Room Presents’ banner, documentaries, foreign language and arthouse gems.
With a focus on accessibility and inclusion, subtitled, audio described, autism-friendly and parent and baby screenings will feature regularly in the schedule.
There will be access to art on the big screen with the Exhibition on Screen series, live music concerts ranging from Andre Rieu to Coldplay, opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House and theatre from the National Theatre.
A highlight of the programme will be special events and an “In Conversation With” series.
Special guests at the Liphook site have included Downton Abbey stars Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern, directors Simon Curtis (Downton Abbey: A New Era) and BAFTA-nominated Jim Archer (Brian and Charles), writer Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park) and director of the NT’s ‘Good’, Dominic Cooke.
The foyer will have comfy sofas, stylish decor "and a laid-back, modern vibe".
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It can be used for meetings or as a home-working space while the all day cafe will transform into a cocktail and wine bar in the evening.
The Living Room Cinema Chipping Norton will not be a members only cinema and will have a range of concession priced tickets available, in addition to both standard and premium seating.
There will be a membership scheme for regular patrons with a range of membership options from Standard Membership to a limited-edition VIP Founder Membership, with benefits include unlimited cinema for the member and a guest, complimentary drinks, a private screening, and an invite to the launch party.
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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris
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