FILM lovers have revealed their heartbreak after the UK’s oldest work cinema abruptly closes after more than 100 years.
The beloved cinema has entertained crowds for the final time and fans are gutted.
GettyThe Electric in Birmingham has closed suddenly and fans are devastated[/caption]
The Electric in Birmingham opened back in 1909 and has been entertaining movie buffs ever since.
The news was announced in a short message on the cinema’s website, which reads: “The Electric is now closed.”
Customers have flocked to social media to share their sadness over the decision to close the historic location.
One Facebook user said: “The place is iconic and a piece of historical architectural significance in the city.
“Also the oldest working cinema in the country!!”
Another wrote: “Spent a few hours in that cinema when I was a kid watching cartoons. Another piece of history gone so sad.”
A third cried: “What a tragedy..”
And a fourth sobbed: “I do hope it doesn’t get demolished. Such fond memories.”
A petition has also been launched to save the cinema
The Sun has contacted The Electric for comment.
The Electric was the first cinema in Birmingham and it was the oldest working cinema in the country.
The cinema closed in December 2003 and was purchased by film director and producer Tom Lawes.
He began extensive renovations to the building to restore it to its 1930s Art Deco aesthetic.
It reopened in December 2004, but it closed again at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, with most of its staff being made redundant.
In January 2022 the cinema reopened under new ownership.
In November, a much-loved cinema chain branch pulled down its curtains for the final time after 20 years.
Cineworld left loyal customers and staff devastated after shutting the doors on its branch in Runcorn, Cheshire, on November 26.
It swiftly followed the closure of another popular Cineworld branch that had to make way for a new housing estate.
Cineworld in Hengrove Leisure Park, South Bristol, was the last standing cinema in the area and left locals devastated.
What other changes are taking place on the high street?
The high street is almost unrecognisable compared to what it once was with some locals describing their town as more like a “ghost town.”
Shops, pubs and restaurants are all falling victim to the increasing cost of living, with high rents and bills making it impossible to survive.
Shoppers no longer have the cash to splash like they used to with many just managing to get by after paying for essentials.
Last year popular retailers such as Wilko fell into administration and vanished from the high street for good.
Fans were left devastated over the demise of the discounter, however, it does look like the retailer is making a comeback.
The Range snapped up the website and brand name last year and has since started to open up some new concept stores, much to the delight of fans.
Wilko stores have already opened in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton and opening dates of a further two locations have recently been revealed.
Stores are set to open in St Albans and Rotherham on Good Friday, March 29 at 9am.
Meanwhile, it is not such good news for Body Shop fans as the iconic beauty retailer recently fell into administration and revealed it would be closing almost half of its 198 stores.
Seven branches have already closed with immediate effect but administrators for the high street stalwart said it is looking to “secure the brand’s future” with the restructure.
Troubled fashion brand Superdry is also looking at various “cost-saving options” after reports it is considering a major restructuring.
However, some retailers are bucking the trend and opening up in new locations.
Primark said it will open five new branches, and one is coming in just weeks.
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