A day out at The Regal

It “went dark” for 535 days thanks to the pandemic, but the Regal Theatre reopened to great fanfare on September 2. No one could be more pleased to be back in business than the hardworking staff who worked tirelessly to bring the Redruth stage back to life.

“To say my team and I are thrilled that our theatre is back up and running is an understatement,” says theatre manager Helena Tondryk-Wilde. “It’s a hub for the local community and the wider area. It’s important for us all to have access to live entertainment, and the Regal brings an array of shows to Cornwall.”

Originally built in the 1930s in the fashionable Art Deco style, the venue has been reconfigured over the years and underwent extensive refurbishment in 2015. The theatre auditorium has a dual purpose: as well as presenting live theatre and entertainment, it also boasts the largest cinema screen in Cornwall.

Since 2015, the Regal has been committed to bringing a wider variety of live shows to the stage. Comedy is a speciality, with the likes of Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican and Jim Davidson playing to packed houses.

Strictly dancers Pasha Kovalev and Oti Mabuse have graced the stage, as have all types of musicians from Port Isaac shantymen Fisherman’s Friends to folk pin-up Seth Lakeman, ‘70s rockers Showaddywaddy to Philly soul group The Stylistics, and some of the very best tribute bands touring the world today.

The Regal also supports local talent, with regular productions from Redruth’s exceptional amateur dramatics groups. In December, RAOST presents Ray Cooney’s frolicking farce Out of Order, while in January, RAMPS offers traditional panto with Dick Whittington.

The cinema, meanwhile, operates under the Merlin banner and shows all the latest blockbusters (think James Bond!), as well as visiting events including Banff Mountain Film Festival (November 9 and 10).

“There’s pretty much something for everyone, from national comedians and rock’n’roll bands to tribute bands and even a psychic,” says Helena. “We’re so pleased to be back in business, and we hope audiences will come out to support us.”

To find out more, call 01209 216278, find @regalredruth on Facebook or visit www.merlincinemas.co.uk/regal-theatre

COMING SOON: November Friday 19th: The Abba Reunion Tribute Show | Live Music

Tuesday 23rd: Sindhu Vee - Alphabet | Comedy

Thursday 25th: Psychic Sally | Variety

Friday 26th:The Drifters | Live Music

December TBC: RAOST presents Out Of Order

January 2022 12th-16th: Dick Whittington - pantomime presented by RAMPS Friday 28th: An Evening of Burlesque

Look out for future productions: • Comedian Simon Evans (February 10); • Live music from Brit Award-winning vocal group Blake (February 18), musical theatre medley act Beyond the Barricade, Disco Inferno and One Night In Dublin; • Variety from Chippendale-style act Forbidden Nights and Circus of Horrors, blending burlesque with bizarre.