Amidst the well-documented struggles Cineworld are enduring right now, Tameside Radio presenter and film fanatic Alex B Cann poses the question - what does a trip to the cinema mean to you?

What does a trip to the cinema mean to you? I ask because there is a real question mark hanging over the future of Cineworld this week, with worrying reports of billions in debt, lower than anticipated audience numbers since the pandemic, and a lack of blockbuster movies to tempt people from their sofas, along with a multitude of streaming services vying for our eyeballs whilst we order takeaway to our door.

I remember my early trips to see a film on the big screen really clearly. In the early 80s, our local Odeon on Blossom Street in York was a neon-lit art deco beauty, and still to this day boasts the original listed 1930s exterior sign, even though its Odeon days are long gone. There were low budget adverts for the local motorbike shop opposite, the snacks were cheap, and I think there might have been someone selling popcorn in between the trailers and the main feature. Screen One was absolutely massive, and I adored the place!

Fast forward to 2022, and I still feel a buzz of excitement when the lights go down and the main feature begins. It's all done with the push of a button these days, I imagine, but a few years ago in Scarborough, there was much mirth at the Hollywood Plaza, as someone in the projection room screened the trailers upside down! Cue much crashing about and audience giggling. Although the days of 35mm projectors are largely gone, the shared experience of watching a movie is one I think we'd miss if it vanished.

Admittedly, I've been to the pictures more than most, with around 50 visits so far this year, but after Cineworld had to close for 32 weeks during the pandemic, I think it would be such a shame if the current crisis were to prove fatal for them. I should say they've insisted it's business as usual, and although I'm no expert, I believe there are a number of options available to them to keep the lights on.

I can't imagine watching No Time To Die or Top Gun : Maverick on your sofa could even come close to seeing them on the big screen. Other highlights for me so far this year include Bullet Train, Belfast, The Duke, Elvis and the hugely underrated Ali & Ava.

I am quite old-fashioned, in that I still like to play CDs, rent DVDs by post from Cinema Paradiso and watched scheduled TV (apparently not something that young trendy types do!), but I honestly believe the cinema is worth fighting for. Vue recently struck a £1 billion restructuring deal, according to reports, so here's hoping Cineworld can do the same and keep serving up cinematic treats to Tameside. I know it must be a tough time for staff, as I've been through periods of uncertainty in previous jobs myself, so solidarity with them. The best thing you can do is visit soon. I know times are tight, but the arts are good for the soul. Happy film watching.

You can listen to Alex every weekday from 7am to 11am and on the 'Super Scoreboard' show on Saturdays from 3pm to 7pm, on Tameside Radio 103.6FM. 

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