FILMS will be screened in Wantage’s old cinema for the first time in six years.

Movie fans are asked to name their favourite films so they can be shown in the former Regent Cinema in Newbury Street.

The owners of the former cinema, now Shush The Venue nightclub, have announced the launch of their cinema club.

A projector and screen were installed and the equipment, which cost more than £10,000, was first used last month for the premiere of A Tortoise in Love, shot in Kingston Bagpuize.

The film was shown during the Betjeman Festival and proved such a success that an extra screening was added and both sold out.

The plan is to offer an evening film and a Saturday matinee for families every month, but there could be more frequent screenings if there is sufficient demand.

Shush managing director Steve Head said: “Bringing a cinema back was always part of our plan and we have kept our promise to the people of Wantage.

“The last film shown before the cinema closed was The 40-Year-Old Virgin and we are asking people to let us know what films they want to see. We can’t compete with multiplexes for the very latest films but we will be able to get films like The King’s Speech.

“People are passionate about cinema in Wantage so we are expecting this to be quite popular and if we show old classics like Dirty Dancing we could combine the film with a dance night.

“There are lots of different audiences out there and I would like to have a screening once a week if the demand is there.”

Although the building has been refurbished, it retains original features including the old projector room and the divide of the two screens can still be seen.

Mr Head added: “Some of the people who come to the nightclub used to go to the cinema and reminisce about when they came here to watch films like ET.

“Now their children can watch films in the same building.”

David Roberts, a member of the Friends of Wantage Cinema, who lives in East Challow, said: “I welcome this venture – it’s brilliant the owners are asking people what films they would like.”

Call 01235 771122 or email hello@shush.fm to tell managers which films you would like to see screened.