HOLLYWOOD blockbuster Robin Hood, which features scenes fimed in the countryside around Ashbourne, is to finally get two special screenings in the area this month.
Two of the area’s main cinema projects, the Empire Cinema Group and Hulland Film, have secured the blockbuster from Universal Pictures and mobile cinema firm Reels on Wheels will be helping the two groups lay on the film for families in and around Ashbourne.
The Empire Cinema Group will be showing the Russell Crowe remake of the classic legend at 7.30pmon Friday, June 11, with doors open at the Empire Ballroom at 7pm,.
Hulland Film, meanwhile, will screen the film at 7pm on Saturday, June 19, with doors open at Hulland Ward Millenium Village Hall at 6.30pm.
Empire Cinema Group member Andrea Cooke said: “This is definitely not the usual story of ‘robbing the rich to feed the poor’ with an evil Sheriff of Nottingham.
“This is a new story with plenty of big action scenes, so forget everything you think you know about Robin Hood, and come and see a completely different slant on the local legend.” Hulland Film organiser Wendy Whitbread, who hinted committee members might be donning tights at the screening as they show people to their seats, said: “Films that have been set in the area are always so popular, however small the part it plays.
“We tend to get people in from all sorts of places to see them, as it makes the film more interesting for people, as they can sit and try and recognise places.
“I think it shows we live in a very ‘filmable’ area.” The two groups will also be showing family favourites as matinees, with Hulland Film screening Nanny McPhee at 2.30pm on Sunday, June 6, and the Empire screening How to Train Your Dragon at 11am on Saturday, June 12.
Advance tickets to the Ashbourne films, are available by telephoning 01335 300140.
Hulland Ward tickets can be booked by telephoning the box office on 01335 370257 or calling into the village shop.
Both venues will also be selling tickets on the door, subject to availability.
