THE Regal in Tenbury is looking for all the support that it can get after being badly hit by Storm Dennis.

Some businesses in the town have started to reopen but for others it has not been possible and the Regal has taken a big hit.

It is not known when the iconic building will be back in use but shows have had to be cancelled and there is an attempt to relocate some activities to other parts of the town.

The historic nature of the Regal is part of the reason why repairs are likely to take some time.

Flooding came after an excellent end of 2019 for the Regal which had a highly successful pantomime season.

All looked set for a flying start to 2020 but Storm Dennis had different ideas and the damage to the building and its fittings has been considerable.

It has come as a blow to the theatre manager Wesley Bone who joined the Regal last year after being the number two at Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

The ‘Advertiser’ has been trying to get in touch with Mr Bone but had been unsuccessful at the time of going to press.

Built in the 1930’s, the Regal is one of only a few remaining examples of small town cinemas built between the two world wars.

It underwent a major restoration almost a decade ago thanks to a grant of nearly £700,00 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Whilst the building is owned by Tenbury Town Council it is run on a long lease by an independent trust that organises the programme.

The Regal has a message on its website explaining what has happened and thanking everyone who has helped.

“We’ve been working very hard to get back up and running at the Regal following floods.

“We’d like to thank our brilliant volunteers, kind members of the public, the Town Clerk and all the service providers for their help and support. The flooding damaged the chairs and floor in the auditorium, and the floor in the Function Room. The Regal is an old, listed building, which means that some aspects of the clean-up and repair are more complex and will take longer.

“We’re not yet sure how long it will be before we’re able to resume our programme at the Regal – but we’re determined that the show must go on!

“We’re talking to possible alternative venues around Tenbury. We anticipate that Tenbury High Ormiston Academy will rehome our Theatre School and most of our live shows. We will be setting up a ‘pop up’ cinema on Friday evenings throughout March in the Methodist church.

“If you have tickets for any of the shows or films in the coming weeks, someone from our box office team will contact you soon. We may need to reschedule or cancel some – we’re sorry and hope you’ll bear with us.

“Please do continue to get your tickets for shows in April, as we’re doing everything to keep these events coming to Tenbury.”