The Regal Cinema was Located in New Road Framlingham. The cinema was built around 1939 by the Bostock Cinema Circuit at a cost of around £8,000. It had a 21ft wide proscenium and was equipped with a British Acoustic (BA) sound system. In the following years there were nightly performances at 7pm in the week, and 3 performances on Saturday (“Hitler permitting”).
Seating plans show it could accommodate around 300 people. During World War II it was very well attended, due in part to the large numbers of military personnel based in and around the town.
Dwindling attendance in the late 50s finally led to closure around 1963, and it was bought by Potters, local Ford dealers, who converted into a lorry workshop & storage. By 1975 and was in use as a commercial vehicle depot for Potters. The Regal Cinema was demolished around 2011, and residential housing in what is now Coucy Close has been built on the site.
The Lanman Museum has memorabilia from the cinema including photographs, posters, programmes, tickets and account books.
Although there is no longer a cinema in Framlingham, there is Film@Fram, with monthly film showings.
