A WEST Dorset arts venue has scored a major coup after getting a Hollywood star to help launch its new cinema programme.
Brian Cox, the Scottish actor who has starred in countless plays, films, and television programmes, is visiting Lyme Regis for an exclusive event at the Marine Theatre in the new year.
The Succession and Bourne Identity star will be interviewed on stage, before the 1986 film Manhunter - in which Cox played Hannibal Lecter - is shown, with a chance for audience questions too.
After years of fundraising in the community, the Marine said it has now purchased cinema equipment.
Well known as a destination for live music, comedy, theatre and community events, the theatre will now add films to that list.
Lyme lost its cinema when the Regent was destroyed in a devastating fire in 2016 - so the new venture at the Marine fills an important gap.
Read more: When Lyme Regis art deco Regent cinema burnt down in 2016
Brian Cox has been acting for six decades, participating in the worlds of stage, television, and film.
He’s worked with the likes of John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Meryl Streep, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Mann and David Fincher. Now in his 70s, Cox is still going strong, recently playing the fearsome patriarch Logan Roy in the hit TV show Succession.
Marine Theatre Director Gabby Rabbitts said: "I woke up this morning and I had to pinch myself again. We are all so pleased that Brian Cox is coming to our theatre, especially me - some of the characters in Succession remind me of people in my own life.
"But I am equally chuffed that there will be up to date films shown in Lyme Regis once again."
She added: "We're thankful to those who are supporting this event and the project including Symondsbury Manor, The Seaside Boarding House, Backstage Trust, Dorset Council Shared Prosperity Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation and Foyle Foundation."
The event takes place on Tuesday, January 28 at 6.30pm with tickets available from marinetheatre.com (early bird £20 and £30 on the door).
They can also be purchased from The Lyme Regis Bookshop, and Bridport Tourist Information Centre. The film programme also starts in January.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here