While it was closed in November 2016 for six months due to asbestos concerns, after a public outcry and fundraising campaign it re-opened the following May.Īnd as for Covid, while Andrea says it has been a very difficult time for the cinema industry as a whole over the last two years, she is grateful for the support they have received from everyone in Blaeanau Gwent to keep this cinema alive. It was named Cinema of the Year in 2014 shortly after a new board of trustees and well known actor turned patron, Michael Sheen took charge. The treasured Market Hall Cinema which boasts a 195-seat auditorium currently holds a variety of showings from those for the general public, to local schools, autistic screenings and screenings with the use of hearing loops as well. Market Hall Cinema in 1933 (Image: Western Mail and Echo Ltd) 'Obviously we've had to change the way we operated, putting in a one-way system, sanitising stations, and now the use of covid passes as well, but we've gone through worse things in the past and find that at the moment everyone has their pass ready to come in and it's working quite well.' We also used that time to come in and do different jobs, such as renovating the toilets and kitchen, cleaning the carpets, and doing general painting and decorating to prepare for when we could re-open. 'We were shut for around 17 months due to different lockdowns and restrictions, which was scary as nobody knew if we would come out of it, but luckily there were grants available so we were able to keep our staff on furlough. We haven't changed the prices since re-opening, charging £3.50 for children, £4.90 for adults or £14 for a family, alongside the fully stocked sweet shop that is also very competitive. 'It is currently the only cinema in Blaenau Gwent, and in an area that is considered to be socially deprived offers low prices that everyone can afford as well. To us it's a very iconic building even-though it's not listed, and is unique because it's so old, and because it's the focal point of our town which is very important to the surrounding areas. She said: 'Market Hall cinema is a hugely important part of the community in Blaeanu Gwent and everyone in the area absolutely loves it. Andrea Durban left and Beth Watkins (Image: Lewis Smith)Īndrea Durban has helped run the cinema as one of its trustees since 2013 and says despite a number of challenges that have been thrown at staff in recent times, they have been able to carry on with a service they believe is crucial to the town.

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