In 2024 the ballroom of The Assembly House once again became the Noverre Cinema, after last closing its doors in 1992.
The Assembly House Trust worked with the Norwich-based organisation Reel Connections to revive one of Norwich’s long-lost cinemas for three special screenings in the summer of 2024. The programme launched with the multi award-winning homage to the love of cinema Cinema Paradiso. The short season continued with the return of one of the Noverre’s most fondly remembered Kid’s Club titles, Bugsy Malone and cult comedy classic Withnail & I.
Audience members were encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a short on-screen display of images from the Noverre’s photo archive and local archive films.
The Assembly House Trust will be hosting two more screenings in February 2025, full details are to be announced soon via the mailing list.
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Cinema Paradiso (15) Thursday 2 May 2024, 8pm
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.
Doors and bar open at 7pm, Film starts at 8pm. Seating will be unreserved.Tickets Pay What You Can £6/£8/£10
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Bugsy Malone (U) Sunday 2 June 2024, 2pm
1976 / 93mins
New York, 1929, a war rages between two rival gangsters, Fat Sam and Dandy Dan. Dan is in possession of a new and deadly weapon, the dreaded ‘splurge gun’. As the custard pies fly, Bugsy Malone, an all-round nice guy, falls for Blousey Brown, a singer at Fat Sam’s speakeasy.
Doors and refreshments from 1.30pm, Film starts at 2pm
Bugsy Malone themed dressing up encouraged! Join us after the film for a free Noverre kids’ club activity from 3.30-4.30pm.
Seating will be unreserved. All children (under 18) to be accompanied by an adult. Tickets £2 Kids (under 18) and £5 Adults
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Withnail and I (15) Thursday 6 June 2024, 8.30pm
1987 / 108mins
Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann star in Bruce Robinson’s cult comedy. In 1969, two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous.
Doors and bar open at 7.30pm, Film starts at 8.30pm
Seating will be unreserved. Tickets Pay What You Can £6/£8/£10
The Noverre
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.
Reel Connections
Reel Connections CIC uses film, music and the creative arts to connect people, groups and communities across Norfolk and the South East. They deliver a range of events, screenings and activities, and believe in the many benefits arts and culture can have on both individuals and communities, as well as increasing creative participation and engagement for all. Find out more at reelconnections.co.uk