Cineworld puts film fans in the picture over when Northampton screens will reopen

Cineworld says it will be ready to reopen its Sixfields cinema in July despite strict social distancing measures likely to still be place.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week announced picture houses could finally be able to reopen from July 4, more than 3½ months after shutting their doors in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19.

And Cineworld vowed to be up and running and plans to kick-off their comeback by screening blockbusters Tenet and Mulan — a live-action remake of the 1998 animation.

A statement to investors from the multiplex chain said: "Cineworld currently anticipates that Government restrictions related to cinemas will be lifted in each of its territories by July.

"Subject to this and confirmation of the schedule for film releases, Cineworld anticipates the reopening of all of its cinemas in July."

Cineworld and Vue, Northampton's two biggest film venues, closed their doors on March 17 ahead of the full UK lockdown on March 23.

One theatre in Berlin has ripped out seats to make sure customers can stay two metres apart when German entertainment venues reopen — cutting capacity from 700 to 200 guests — while others are installing plastic screens between seats.

The Cineworld statement added: "We have put in place procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable cinema experience for its employees and customers.

“Cineworld is excited by the great movie line-up to follow the reopening of cinemas, starting with the highly anticipated new Chris Nolan movie Tenet and immediately after that with Mulan, a new Disney adventure movie.

“Cineworld, as always, greatly believes in the theatrical experience and is fully committed to be the best place to watch a movie.”