The May programme launches with the multi-Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe winning Nomadland (cert 12A), and our favourite bunny returns in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, (cert U) for the half-term family morning and afternoon film.

The Rex Cinema sprang back to life briefly last December and received fantastic coverage across press and television to showcase the stunning, newly refurbished interior which has been completed throughout 2020, using grants and generous donations raised to improve accessibility, including a new stairlift. The cinema is proud to now welcome audiences back and present the lovingly remodelled Art Deco bar with increased access through to the elegant new unisex washroom facilities, all in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

The auditorium, which was also refurbished in 2016 with new carpets and reupholstered seating, boasts a state-of-the-art screen and cinema projection system with Dolby 7.1 surround sound, to ensure that all films are presented as they were meant to be. Coupled with the exciting bottled wine collection now being served in the new bar, this is a cinema experience that you won’t forget.

The Rex, which has been sorely missed during the last year, is celebrating its centenary as a continuously running cinema this year and is a cornerstone of film history in the South West. To celebrate this momentous occasion a series of special events will run later this year and into 2022, including landmarks of silent cinema with a live piano accompaniment.

As we re-emerge from last year’s absence of culture, this cherished cinema welcomes the return of satellite screenings of live opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House, National Theatre and other performances. 

This autumn, the Rex will once again be at the heart of the Purbeck Film Festival which will present its 24th film programme from 22 to 31 October, showcasing an incredible and diverse range of films.

The Rex Cinema would like to acknowledge the kindness and generosity of all those who have made this refurbishment possible, including the BFI, The Talbot Village Trust, The Coop, Original Style Tiles, Sainsbury’s, Rotary Club of Wareham, Wareham Lions and many other groups and individuals.

The community cinema is run by a registered charity and has 47 unpaid, enthusiastic volunteers who undertake roles to keep the cinema running. Chair of the Rex Cinema Committee, David Evans, commented: 

“As we commence our countdown to the return of the Rex, we would like to give heartfelt thanks to all of our dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who help to keep the cinema running. As guardians, we will make sure that it remains at the heart of the community into its next century.”

The Rex Cinema team looks forward to welcoming you back on Friday, 28 May!