Thrilling news – The Regent Street Cinema, which gave the capital its very first taste of film over one hundred years ago, is being brought back to life. It was here in 1896 that a curious and excitable crowd paid their one shilling and crammed inside the former theatre to watch the Lumiére brothers’ debut film The Arrival of a Train on the infamous Cinématographe. Just as with its inaugural French screening, the audience leapt back in alarm as a train hurtled towards them, believing they were about to be crushed beneath its wheels.

Built in 1848 this glorious cinema (at nr 309 Regent Street) has witnessed a wealth of history within its walls - from optical illusions and Victorian Magic Lantern shows to wartime news reels and avant-garde films. Now that it’s being restored to its former Victorian grandeur, that great silver screen can be unveiled once more.

Doors open 5th May. For more info, check out http://www.birthplaceofcinema.com/