Basildon’s Vue cinema 'busy from day one' since opening

Home to the chain’s second largest screen, luxury recliners and a prime, town centre location, the new addition has made a great impression on the town’s residents.

After two years of delays, including Empire cinema pulling out of the plan, the cinema finally opened at the end of July. 

For general manager, Blake Harper, 38, opening a new cinema has been an exciting, and surprisingly seamless experience.

Vue employees, Kim and Ellis, have enjoyed opening the new cinema (Image: George Pizani)

"From day one it’s been busy, busy, busy," he said.

The seasoned cinema manager, who has worked in Vue cinemas in Croydon and Lakeside, has relished the chance to launch a fresh location.

“For my staff members it’s all new to them, as they’ve never worked in a cinema before. The entire team is brand new. For me and the other managers it’s been a lot of fun opening a new cinema – it’s a very rare thing to get to do,” Blake added. 

It’s not just the staff who have enjoyed the opening of the new cinema, it’s been a resounding success with Basildon residents too. Blake says that nearby restaurants, including Nando’s, have also reported a boost in business following the Vue’s opening.

Residents have welcomed the affordability of tickets (Image: George Pizani)

“I know the restaurants downstairs had been waiting for this place to open. Orleto Lounge have had a lot of buzz from their customers. I think with the cinema here now, it will hopefully draw in some more businesses.”

Blake even said that he gets some residents just coming in for a look around.

“We’ve got a lot of re-releases coming out; we’re reshowing all the Star Wars films, Lord of the Rings, we’ve just redone all the Spider-Man films and now we’re doing all the Batmans,” he added.

For Basildon resident, Emma Reynolds, 40, and her family, a trip to Vue has quickly become a favourite activity.

“Of course it’s a good thing. You need it to draw people in, kids especially. I’ve got kids and it’s easier to get to than going out to Festival Park,” she said.

Emma also pointed to the relative affordability of Basildon’s new Vue.

“I love going to the cinema, it’s cheap too. I’ve got Sky, so I get cheaper tickets, I only pay around £1 for a ticket.”

Basildon’s deputy mayor Victoria Joseph is confident the benefits of the Vue coming to the town are numerous. 

“It’s a great boost to local business in Basildon as the influx of cinema goers brings increased foot traffic to the area. It also serves as a communal space where people can come together,” she said.

“The exposure to different genres through screening a range of films, from foreign films to documentaries, helps to broaden the cultural understanding and appreciation amongst the general population.”