A RESTORED art deco cinema in Evesham is marking its 90th birthday with a performance from a world famous violinist.
The Regal Cinema in Port Street, Evesham is to play host to Nigel Kennedy.
Cash, grants and donations of time and skills from people in various trades enabled the building to be restored to its former glory after £1.2million was invested in the project.
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The grade II listed building, which dates back to 1932, was brought back to life from a state of dereliction in 2012 and Mr Kennedy, who has family connections to Malvern, is said to love the venue where he has played twice before.
Nigel Kennedy, who has performed classical music and has since expanded into jazz, klezmer, and other music genres, is to perform at the cinema on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4, from 8pm with tickets still available.
Restoration manager Laurence Wiper said: "As a high-profile building within Evesham we feel very lucky as current custodians to be celebrating our 90th birthday.
"We have put on many live events over the years and are happy to announce world-famous violinist Nigel Kennedy has agreed to return in support of the above to mark the Regal’s community restoration and continued survival during difficult times.
"Nigel loves the venue and believes artist support is integral to keeping independent venues alive. It is the first opportunity to see him live in UK.
"His last scheduled UK performance was at The Royal Albert Hall, but, he pulled out with days to go accusing Classic FM of musical segregation preventing him from performing a Jimi Hendrix tribute. He would not normally play venues with small capacities such as ours. He tours the world but is willing to come back and looks forward to returning to his local area.
"From my perspective, The Regal’s anniversary, 90 years serving the local community is something to celebrate. In addition, it’s important to remember companies and individual contributions to the restoration that were integral to bringing the building back to life having survived Covid with the help of the local community and supporting customers."
Mr Wiper, who oversaw the restoration, said: "We are delighted to welcome Nigel Kennedy back to the Regal in 2023. Nigel Kennedy is a legend and we are honoured and delighted that after a long time away from playing in the UK, he has agreed to come back again and has chosen to come back here."
The Regal still has his signed keyboard in pride of place in their rock archive.
"We want to thank him for celebrating with us the Regal’s 90th birthday and for supporting our local independent venue with his characteristic passion and enthusiasm for inclusivity in the arts", said Mr Wiper.
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