Lego fan 'really pleased' as cinema stays open

A film and Lego enthusiast who built a model of his local cinema is celebrating after learning it will remain in use as a movie theatre under new management.

Rob Smith, from Daventry, spent a week building a detailed Lego model of the Cineworld cinema in Northampton - devoting two to three hours a day to the project.

The real-life venue, initially earmarked for closure, will now reopen as an Odeon Luxe.

"For me, [Northampton's Cineworld] has so many fond memories. I remember going to it when it opened in 1994 and I've seen countless films there," Mr Smith said.

"The thought that it was just going to close was quite disheartening so I'm really pleased that it's got a happier ending than its counterpart in Kettering."

The Kettering Odeon is to be demolished and the site turned into an open storage facility.

Mr Smith's Lego model has a detachable roof, that once removed, reveals tiered seating and a working screen that can be used if a mobile phone is placed behind it.

The plastic-brick builder added: "I started with the front glazed windows because I thought if I don't get that bit right, the rest won't follow.

"The rest is quite straightforward compared to the front.

"Overall, I'm very pleased with the way it looks."

Mr Smith has even added real popcorn to his model for a "complete sensory experience".

He regularly shows his creative builds at Lego shows and has built a number of Northamptonshire landmarks including Wicksteed Park's Water Chute, and Greyfriars Bus Station.

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