Plaza Cinema opens in time for Christmas
5 December 2023
Merlin Cinema’s Plaza Cinema in Weston-super-Mare previously the Odeon, re-opens on Friday 15th December bringing a mixture of new-releases, classic films and event cinema, including opera, ballet, theatre and music concerts often beamed in live by satellite to the big cinema screen. Offering affordable ticket prices for all the family and starting at just £4 for the latest films, the programme also includes regular parent and baby, subtitled and relaxed (autism-friendly) screenings.
Merlin Cinemas began nearly 35 years ago with a historic single-screen cinema in Penzance, since then they have saved several traditional cinemas from closure and repurposed a number of other heritage buildings to provide or retain cinemas, literally from Land’s End to Thurso, near John O’Groats. The Plaza located in the centre of Weston’s conservation area and heritage action zone, is a beautiful art deco style building that first opened its doors in 1911 as The Electric. In 1935, the cinema was redeveloped as an Odeon Theatre, one of four to be designed by architect T Cecil Howitt. The Plaza’s Compton organ, a unique feature, is one of only two still working in the UK today, and the opening programme includes some special screenings with organ preludes, in association with the Theatre Organ Club.
The Plaza Cinema opens with the new films Wonka from Paddington director Paul King and starring Timothée Chalamet, Olivia Colman and the scene-stealing Hugh Grant as an Oompah Loompah; Wish, a Disney Animation Studios’ release starring Ariana Debose and Chris Pine; along with Ridley Scott’s Napoleon and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Merlin’s seasonal Christmas Crackers programme also offers really great value, with their Big & Mini Movie Deals, screening classic Christmas films to watch with the family, including Elf and Home Alone, as well as firm favourite It’s a Wonderful Life, with a performance on Sunday 17 December accompanied by an organ prelude.
Maximum savings can be made if you sign up for Merlin’s Movie Magic card which offers Big Screen entertainment at the Small Price of just £4 all year round.
Find out what’s on at The Plaza via the Merlin website and sign up for their newsletter!