The Capitol Horsham strikes back with a fabulous selection of award-winning films

In addition to announcing The Capitol’s re-opening on Friday 17 July with the blockbuster movie Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, The Capitol is now delighted to reveal that it has secured a great mix of award-winning films to enjoy in the upcoming weeks.

Here’s the run down:

There ain’t nothing like a Dame and there are a fair few films featuring “Dames” (not the panto kind) on offer: Eye in the Sky (15) spotlighting Dame Helen Mirren, Downton Abbey (PG) featuring Dame Maggie Smith and Billy Elliot (15) and two Mamma Mia! films starring Dame Julie Walters.

Dunkirk (12A) is the immersive account of the Allied retreat during World War II directed by Christopher Nolan which gathered a host of Oscar and Golden Globe awards.

The Cannes Film Festival award winner for Best Screenplay: Portrait of a Lady on Fire (15) is an enigmatic historical romance from the brilliant French filmmaker Céline Sciamma.

Several films including Onward (U), Paddington (U) and a Shaun The Sheep Movie – Farmageddon provide perfect entertainment for all the family.

Additionally, a newly released film, Love Sarah (12A), a heart-warming story starring Celia Imrie and Bill Paterson is one to look out for.

They are thrilled to be showing some classics on their huge theatre screen including a 1968 Stanley Kubrick classic – 2001: A Space Odyssey (U) and another top Star Wars film, The Rise of Skywalker (12A) as well a few musicals to remind their customers that they are also in the business of theatre!  La La Land (12A), Billy Elliot (15), Mamma Mia! The Movie (PG), Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (PG) and The Greatest Showman (PG).

Many of these “feel good factor” films could be just what’s needed after the last long few months!

Commenting on the return of cinema to The Capitol, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Cllr Jonathan Chowen said:

It is a real triumph to have secured such a high profile collection of award-winning films to welcome back our customers and mark the re-opening of our beloved Capitol Cinema.

“Following some detailed re-decoration to enhance the venue’s Art Deco history, the installation of a new 4K Laser projector and the amazing super large screen in our beautiful Art Deco theatre will give customers an amazing and safe experience.  Come and see for yourselves as ‘The Capitol Strikes Back!’”

Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Cllr Jonathan Chowen

The full range of health and safety measures published by the UK Cinema Association, and agreed by Government, have been put in place ready for the re-opening. The measures ensure social distancing at every point during a visit to The Capitol, and include contactless payments, an E-ticket system, safety signage, seating capacity limits, staggered film start and end times, and enhanced cleaning and hygiene regimes.

Keeping customers safe with social distancing

Customers will be asked to observe social distancing at all times. This will be monitored by venue staff.

Groups of Friends/Family wishing to attend the cinema together will be expected to socially distance. Individuals should not be sat directly next to anyone who is not within the same household or social bubble.

If you wish to make a booking for 3+ seats together, please contact our Box Office directly on 01403 750220 and our friendly staff will be able to allocate seats for you. Our Box Office will open daily from 12.15pm until 8pm to take your telephone bookings.

All customers entering the venue will be required to provide their full name and contact details as part of the Test and Trace programme. This is to ensure the safety of our customers and our staff.

Please arrive at the venue 20 minutes ahead of the film start time.

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .