Duke of York’s cinema roof appeal
Matt McGuire finds himself chatting to a local heroine in need of all our help and respect
It’s Help The Aged Week this week at Faces. So ready your reminiscing receptors and perhaps even donate a Euro or two.
The honourable lady in question has just turned 97, boasts a slate grey complexion and is rather generously proportioned. She’s also a roof. The roof of the wonderful Duke of York’s cinema to be precise.
Being an ageing structure, she’s sadly not as well as she once was and so an appeal has been launched to save her. I went along for a chat to find out how it was going. “Well, my appeal’s been running since September of last year,” began the roof. “It was my 97th birthday, as it goes – a lovely day. And, well, yes, I’m simply overjoyed at the progress so far.”
The appeal is for £25,000 and so far £15,000 has been raised. “It’s just so good of everyone to chip in to try and help out,” she beamed. “I wouldn’t have thought it possible for so many people to be so nice. I’ve seen a lot of changes to the town in my years up here, but this just proves you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. People are still lovely.”
After providing nearly a century of top notch sheltering, the roof of this fantastic Grade II listed building has sadly begun to fail of late and repairs are essential if the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinema is to survive.
“Monies have been raised via sales of delicious Roof Appeal cake, a fund raising screening of All About Eve and general donations. But there’s also seat sponsorship,” added the roof. “That last one’s great: for £100 you get a plaque on your favourite seat, along with a dedication. There’s been a super response, and the likes of Steven Berkoff – who I’ve always had a soft spot for, Norman Cook, Lynne Truss and Alistair McGowan have all got involved, as well as a lot of local companies. I really am so chuffed.”
Until now, The Duke of York’s has led a charmed existence, free in the main from vandalism and accidents and even avoiding bombing throughout the Second World War.
“Though we did have a machine gun positioned on the lower balcony [outside the current café/bar] during that time,” recalls the roof. “That was awfully exciting!”
Help ensure the old lady gets to see many more exciting days (and help keep your popcorn dry) by making a donation today.
The Duke Of York’s Picturehouse roof, Duke Of York’s Picturehouse, Preston Circus, Brighton BN1 4NA | Map
Tel: 01273 818 549
Visit: www.picturehouses.co.uk
