‘Sad times’ - your reaction to the closure of Hollywood Cinema chain

On Thursday it was announced that the Hollywood Cinema had fallen into administration, with two of its three theatres, in Norwich and Great Yarmouth, closing immediately.

The third, in Dereham, has been sold and will continue under new ownership.

The former Royal Aquarium now the Hollywood Cinema in Great Yarmouth.Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2015)

The news was meant with dozens of comments from readers, with the majority disappointed by the news.

On our Facebook page, Chris Fox said: 'Sad times, remember my mum taking me to the Norwich one when it was Odeon, but sadly how movies have gone it looked very outdated. A shame they couldn't revamp and save it.'

Film premier of Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa at Hollywood Cinema, Anglia Square, Norwich. Photo: Steve Adams

Anna Favia said: 'So sad... I remember taking my boys to the cinema for the first time at the Hollywood Cinema in Anglia Square. We went to see Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Really, really sad to see it go.'

MORE: Hollywood Cinemas in Norwich and Great Yarmouth shut from as chain ceases tradingDean Brennan said it was a shame, but that it had been in decline, while Simon Penny said it was a 'big loss' to anyone who uses them, and in particular a 'major loss' to Great Yarmouth seafront.

Liz Irling praised the 'friendly and warm' staff, and said she loved going there, and didn't mind that it felt a little outdated.

Hollywood Cinema, Dereham. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2014)

Lorraine Cooke said: 'This cinema was the best, so much room, better than the new modern ones.'

But Michelle Baker said she wasn't surprised, and said it was 'absolutely awful', adding that she preferred the Gorleston Palace.

Entertainer Olly Day and Hollywood Cinema director Trevor Wicks hold a ribbon as a Marilyn Monroe lookalike cuts the ribbon for the grand re-opening of the Hollywood Royalty Cinema in Great Yarmouth. Photo: Hollywood Cinemas (Image: Archant)

And on our website, commenter NorwichbOY said: 'Another nail in the coffin that is the high street. My first night at the cinema was just my mum and me aged six, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Anglia Square.'

Dee said: 'Sad day for me. Childhood memories of watching Star Wars at the Anglia Square Odeon. I'd just recently taken my youngest child to the Hollywood for her first ever cinema visit via Greggs bakery and the cinema pick'n'mix.'

Holyywood Cinemas boss Trevor Wicks and Marilyn Monroe lookalike

But Bert66 said: 'If you don't use it, you going to lose it... enough said!'

Paul Burton said: 'This is very sad news. A number of stars, including Cilla Black, performed there when it was a theatre during the summer during the eighties and early nineties.'

ASSISTANT MANAGERS HEATHER FOUNTAIN (RIGHT) AND SUE TIDD AT THE HOLLYWOOD CINEMA LAST NIGHT (THURS).

Hollywood Cinema opens where Odeon used to be in Anglia Square, Norwich. To meet the guests, Marilyn Monroe / Pauline Bailey and Hollywood Director Trevor Wicks.

Hollywood Cinema opens where Odeon used to be in Anglia Square, Norwich. The new Bond Bar.

The Alan Partridge film premiere at Hollywood at Anglia Square. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: copyright: Archant 2013)

Film premier of Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa at Hollywood Cinema, Anglia Square, Norwich, which has now closedPhoto: Steve Adams