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Luke Parker Bowles (standing left) and Andy Childs of Cinema Lab discuss updates on The Bradley movie theater in Bradley Beach.
By WILLIAM CLARK
The lights haven’t gone out on cinema in Bradley Beach yet.
Cinema Lab, the new operators of the former Beach Cinema now called The Bradley, held an information session Feb. 24 for community members regarding the status of the shuttered theater.
There is good news: The shows will go on.
Renovations are scheduled to start sometime in May with an expected opening date of early 2025.
“I think a testament to our love to this place is that it has been a nightmare to put this together,” Cinema Labs CEO Luke Parker Bowles said to the crowd. “And I say that in the nicest way.”
Years were spent trying to secure funding but Bowles said the group never gave up considering the overwhelming interest and support that was being shown by residents.
Bowles referred to the coming theater as being designed to act as a “third space” after where you live and work.
“You can have a cup of coffee. You can catch up with a friend. You can go see a movie. You can go to the bar,” he said.
The plan is to offer an eclectic mix of movies and films. The main attractions will still grace the silver screen. But Cinema Lab wants to offer time for independent filmmakers, documentaries and other various media.
The space will serve as more than a spot to catch the latest flick. Plans are being drawn up for an event space that will welcome parties and other gatherings. Bowles envisions streamlining a night out.
“The other idea about Cinema Lab is the notion of being the one place you want to go and you can do your dinner, your entertainment and your drinks in one place and not have to think about three different reservations,” he said.
Moviegoers also will not have to show up an hour early to claim the best spots. Like other theaters, The Bradley will have reserved seating.
The theater itself will have a 200-seat capacity. Special seating is being secured from Norway that will allow for better flow and movement of people as they move about the theater.
Bowles said that once construction starts, updates will be frequent but not daily. He appreciates feedback but posting each new feature on social media is not conducive to the creative and building process.
“We want to keep this as a bit of a surprise for you guys,” he said.