By Lynn Shaw

In just a few months from now Port Elizabethans will be able to experience a novel night of entertainment when Uptown Theatres opens its doors.

Uptown Theatres is the brainchild of the Doubell family, who felt there was a need for a sophisticated venue where people could go to be entertained.

The Doubells have leased the Kine Park building in Central and are hard at work, hoping to open their doors to the public by mid-September.

They have invested R1-million in fixing the exterior of the building and almost R3-million in fixing the theatres.

The newly renovated building will comprise a movie theatre, a live theatre venue and a stylish cocktail theatre.

Patrons will now be able to go and watch a movie, see live performances by artists and bands, watch plays and enjoy lunch or supper all under one roof.

Lindi Doubell said Uptown Theatres planned to revive the glamour and experience of the movie and theatre industry with an exciting line-up of entertainment.

“All three theatres will be multi-functional venues for conferencing and entertainment purposes. We will be screening some of the much anticipated art films in an exclusive theatre,” Lindi said.

Her brother, Peter, said the idea was to have a whole evening out, but all under one roof. “So often when one goes to a movie you have to go and look for a restaurant or other forms of entertainment elsewhere. We plan to give people the experience of having an evening out all under one roof.”

Theme nights will also be part of a night out at Uptown Theatres. Peter explained that they were hoping that patrons would have fun and dress up according to the theme of the latest blockbusters showing.

Addressing the safety concerns, the Doubells said security guards would be visible in and around the building at all times.

Secure basement parking will be provided and the theatre will be fitted with security cameras. Security guards will escort patrons who have parked elsewhere to their cars.

Source: The Herald