Film fans have one last chance to visit an iconic Darlington cinema which is due to close later today (June 30).

The historic Odeon Luxe cinema on Northgate is set to screen its final film this evening before closing the doors for the last time.

The closure puts the future of the historic building in doubt with 14 staff are said to be affected. Odeon saying it is ‘working hard’ to find them alternative jobs.

The cinema firm says it has been ‘truly proud to serve our guests at Odeon Luxe Darlington and to bring years of movie magic to the community’.

Read more: 15 old pictures of Odeon Darlington LUXE cinema on Northgate

It was first opened in December 1938 as The Regal cinema at a cost of £50,000 and ran as the ABC, the Canon and MGM before being taken over by Odeon.

In 2019 the three-screen cinema was refurbished with new ‘luxury recliners’ but was soon forced to close during the Covid pandemic.

The Northern Echo: Odeon Luxe Darlington will close its doors for the final time this evening (June 30). Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT Odeon Luxe Darlington will close its doors for the final time this evening (June 30). Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Earlier this month when the closure was announced, an Odeon spokesperson told The Northern Echo: “We are disappointed to announce the closure of our Darlington cinema.”

“This decision was not taken lightly and followed a thorough review of all possible options.

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“We are hugely proud and appreciative of the hard work from the ODEON Darlington team over the years and we will be consulting with each colleague to support them.”

Cinemagoers wishing to visit the venue for the final can catch one of six screenings on Thursday evening, including the films Elvis and Top Gun sequel Maverick.

The full list of films being shown today are as below:

•            Elvis – 4.15pm in Screen 1

•            Elvis – 7.45pm in Screen 1

•            Top Gun: Maverick – 8pm in Screen 3

•            Lightyear – 5.15pm in Screen 3

•            Jurassic World: Dominion – 4pm in Screen 2

•            Jurassic World: Dominion – 7.15pm in Screen 2

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