In partnership with The Assembly House Trust we will be reviving one of Norwich’s most beloved and long-lost cinemas for three special screenings, held in the ballroom of The Assembly House.
Cinema Paradiso (15)
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore / Starring: Enzo Cannavale, Philippe Noiret / 1988 / 124mins
Italian with English subtitles
This multi award-winning homage to the love of cinema tells the story of Salvatore, now a successful film director, returning home for the funeral of Alfredo, his old friend who was the projectionist at the local cinema throughout his childhood. Soon memories of his first love affair with the beautiful Elena and all the highs and lows that shaped his life come flooding back, as Salvatore reconnects with the community he left 30 years earlier.
Doors and bar open at 7pm
Film starts at 8pm
Seating will be unreserved
Audience members are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a special screening before the main feature, featuring a short film from the East Anglian Film Archive called ‘The Last Show’. Shot in 1961, the film is a poignant record of the very last show at ‘The Norvic’ Cinema on Prince of Wales Road in Norwich. The screening will also be introduced by Reel Connections Director, Guy Martin.
About The Noverre Cinema
For more than 40 years, the Noverre served as a popular city cinema which screened a diverse range of films including non-commercial and arthouse releases.
Located in a former ballroom at The Assembly House in Norwich, the cinema took its name from the Noverre family who taught classical dance there during the 18th Century.
Prior to the Noverre’s opening, The Assembly House underwent extensive restoration work between 1948 and 1950 for a cost of £70,000. When it re-opened in November 1950 the building was complete with music rooms, a banquet room and exhibition room, in addition to the arts cinema.
A raked floor was installed which accommodated 272 seats. The cinema was well equipped with two 35mm projectors, two 16mm projectors and modern sound installation.
The Noverre is fondly remembered for its Saturday morning kids’ club, seating with plenty of leg room, showing no adverts before films and for not selling ice creams or popcorn. The most popular film it screened was Cabaret, which was shown on 11 different occasions. The Noverre closed its doors on 23 December 1992.
The Assembly House Trust is a registered charity established in 1945. The Trust owns The Assembly House, facilitates an arts programme, supports community events and manages the upkeep of the building. Find out more at assemblyhousetrust.org.uk
