Dereham’s Orion Cinema Marks a Century of Film Screenings

A long-standing cinema in Norfolk is commemorating its centenary of presenting films to audiences. The Orion Cinema commenced operations in Dereham on 17 November 1924, featuring the film Long Live the King as its inaugural screening. Notably, it hosted royalty in 2003, when Prince William, accompanied by his friends, attended a showing of the concluding part of Lord of the Rings. Jonny Allwood, a representative of the cinema, expressed his hope that patrons would keep attending for “many more years to come”. The structure was originally erected in 1857 to serve as the town’s Corn Exchange, prior to its transformation into a cinema with a capacity of 700 seats. The venue adopted the name Orion Cinema in 2019, following the administration of its former proprietor, Hollywood Cinema. “With the challenges that your typical High Street has faced over the last few years, this cinema has remained a constant fixture for a century now,” stated Mr Allwood. He added, “It is a testament to the power of cinema and the big screen experience, which keeps audiences coming back for more.” During the 1960s, the building underwent significant renovations, which included the installation of a bingo hall and a new floor. Businessman Trevor Wicks acquired it in 1992, subsequently renaming it Hollywood Cinema prior to its ultimate failure. Gordon Olley, a Dereham resident, recalled his first visit as a child and meeting his wife, Mary, with whom he has been married for 60 years, during a 1964 screening of A Hard Day’s Night. In 2014, he recreated that memorable date to commemorate their golden wedding anniversary. Mr Olley, who is currently in his late 70s, remarked, “When you see it in a cinema with a big screen you become part of the story, it’s all around you.” He further commented, “It’s a different effect than watching it on a television in your living room.”