WORLD-famous Scottish actor Brian Cox is coming to the Marine Theatre at Lyme Regis on 28th January for the launch of a new cinema programme.

The actor, currently playing the composer Johann Sebastian Bach in The Score at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, was most recently the fearsome Logan Roy in Succession, and has starred in countless plays, films, television and radio dramas. He hit international fame as the first Hannibal Lector in the 1986 film Manhunter. At Lyme, he will be interviewed on stage and Manhunter will be shown, with a chance for audience questions too.

Lyme Regis locals will be familiar with the sad tale of the town’s Regent Cinema that burned down in 2016. It was popular with both residents and tourists, so is much missed. After years of fundraising in the community, the Marine Theatre has now purchased cinema equipment, adding film to the long list of music, theatre and comedy events for which it is well-known across the region. The launch event will be raising funds for the new Marine Theatre Young Filmmakers’ course starting this year.

Brian Cox has been acting for six decades, conquering the worlds of stage, television, radio and film, working with many of the leading actors and actresses of our time, including John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Meryl Streep, and Anthony Hopkins.

Marine Theatre director Gabby Rabbitts says: “We are now truly delighted to announce cinema as the new jewel in the Marine’s crown. Over the last three years, we have been hard at work fundraising to offer our local community the very best cinema experience possible without having to travel out of town. Our efforts have now paid off.”

The theatre now has a state-of-the-art DCP projector, new comfortable seating, beautiful golden British velvet curtains and an enhanced cinema sound system. Details of films will be on the Marine’s website, and there will be special cinema events and family films during holiday times.