In preparation for our first midweek matinee screening pencilled in for Wednesday 22nd March 2023, our technical wizard David setup to test some equipment. The venue is the Thorngate Theatre in the geographical centre of Gosport, next to the War Memorial Hospital, on many bus routes and with lots of parking.
Technical Specs
David was happy to be guided by the projectionist consultant of the Ritz at St. Vincent, Sue Western in setting up and getting the best out of this kit. In a matter of minutes the 165-inch projection screen was erected – it’s definitely a two-person job!
The stage of the Thorngate Theatre is ideally suited to rear projection. By bringing in a 6000 lumen Optoma projector David was able to get a great picture with a throw distance of 2.82m between the projector lens and the screen.
Developing an Audience
The Thorngate Halls are operated by the Gosport Community Association and there are a wide range of clubs and organisations that make their home at the halls. We are reaching out to people who use the centre to see what they might like to see.
We owe big thanks to Sue, Phil and Sonia at the theatre for their enthusiasm and accommodation of the project. We quickly agreed that a relaxed “cabaret style” seating arrangement would be best, allowing a relaxed social atmosphere and audience members the freedom to move around if required. Plus we can pre-warm the theatre to provide a warm space to those who might want to get out from underneath blankets.
In a discussion with Sue we quite quickly came up with a programming profile for our matinee audience:
- Period: 1960s onwards
- Rating: U or PG
- Runtime: Maximum 2h10m.
- Genre: Musical, Comedy, Romance, Classics
Sue was mindful to make clear to us that many of the people who normally visit at this time of day were born in the 1950s and 60s and so movies before that period are their parent’s generation rather than evoking the nostalgia we think might be critical to success in attracting this audience.
If you could see yourself coming along to a matinee session on a Wednesday afternoon we are really interested in hearing about which films you would like to see… get in touch and let us know!
Can’t Wait to Get to the Thorngate?
Ahead of our first matinee the Ritz will be visiting the Thorngate Ballroom on Thursday 9th March at 7:30pm for a showing of the Buster Keaton classic Steamboat Bill Jr. with a Live Organ Accompaniment. This promises to be a unique screening in partnership with the Gosport and District Organ Club on their amazing Compton Organ originally from the Gaumont Cinema, Wood Green (1934).
Get Your Tickets for this and other upcoming Ritz at St. Vincent screenings online now.
We hope to see you there!
Gosport Community Cinema 