Theatre Royal:closure of Barry Cinema

Well its now shut, closed we are told because of falling revenues, so much so that it is now uneconomic to remain open. So why is this . .

Well for many people in Barry the cinema had lost its appeal, particularly when there is a choice of multiplex cinemas in nearby locations. Cardiff for example has a number of cinemas offering a variety of films, Barry on the other hand only had only one cinema with just two screens.
Economics plays its part of course but the closure of the cinema proves that cost is not the only factor in determinimg the success of a leisure based business. Yes in Barry the entrance fee was a lot less than any of its rivals and the sweets in the shop were cheaper as well, however, the overall experience was poor and customers drifted away, never to return.
The lack of control over rowdy kids who show no respect to other cinema goers or the establishment itself was the first nail in the cofiin and this happened long ago. Also the seating was uncomfortable, the place was never clean and the films were never publiscised outside on the ‘billboard’. That last fact alone meant that revenues would drop considerably because you just didn’t know what was on that week and didn’t have a way to find out easily. In a multiplex its easy to take a gamble knowing that something good would be showing at the time you wanted to go.
Its a shame of course because for many people, particularly teenagers, it is just too expensive to go a cinema in Cardiff or they just don’t have access to decent and reliable transport. This will help to widen the gap between ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ in this country. The lack of good local facilities will in the end add to the ‘boredom’ factor resulting in an increase in anti-social behavoir, vandalism and crime for which we all pay a heavy price.
Local facilities need to be managed better to increase their market share and stave off economic difficulties however, there is a case for financial support for these businesses to ensure that local people have a choice. If there is nothing else to do unfortunately, many people resort to anti-social activities.

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