WET and drizzly conditions failed to put a dampener on the grand opening of the region’s newest soft play area.

Scores of excited families queued in the dank conditions to be the first to use Magic and Mayhem Soft Play, in the ground floor of Darlington’s iconic Majestic cinema yesterday morning (Saturday, September 20).

The former Art Deco cinema has been painstakingly restored by managing director Sharon Branch and her team of local tradesmen, who have plans to transform the upper floors into a restaurant and live performance area, with work starting next year.

Competition winner, six-year-old Evie Grace Watson cut the ribbon to officially open the venue, surrounded by princesses and superheroes.

The youngster’s winning picture of what the businesses’ mascots – two monkeys named Magic and Mayhem – got up to during the summer holidays has been printed onto a table in the venue’s restaurant, and will also be framed for her family.

Ms Branch said: “This is the start of it – we see this building as a family venue with something for everybody.

“We have tried to be as sympathetic as possible and not just ripped it to shreds.”

Work on the venue has been followed closely by residents and has been met with support from members of ‘The Majestic, the future’ Facebook group, who have an interest in the building and its rich history.

Magic and Mayhem Soft Play is open seven days a week for children up to age 11, with free entry for adults and children under one.

The business also offers private parties.

For more information visit facebook.com/MagicMayhemSoftPlay or call 01325-482848.