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Wareham’s Unique Rex Cinema

How about a glass of wine, a beer or some delicious Purbeck ice cream whilst watching a movie at Wareham’s unique independent Rex Cinema?

Just before writing this blog, Jurassic World Dominion and Elvis were showing one week after the other, and we went to see both.

For Richard and I, it was our first visit to the art-deco 1920s Rex Cinema and it definitely won’t be our last!

The front of Wareham's unique Rex Cinema

History of The Rex

Originally the building which houses Wareham’s unique Rex Cinema, called the Oddfellows Hall, was built in 1889. It provided various entertainments, including travelling theatre shows, banquets and concerts.

In 1920, The Empire Theatre opened.

In 1937, a gentlemen called Joe Merrick ran the then excellent business due to the influx of military units, in and around Bovington camp. Unfortunately, in 1949 Mr Merrick died in an aircraft accident and his wife Vi continued to manage the business.

Under new management in 1987,  The Rex became the enthusiastic project by a group of local people.

In 2003, the bar was added in the Oddfellows Meeting Room and The Rex was among the few cinemas in the UK where it was possible to have an alcoholic refreshment while watching a film!

in 2009, it was acquired by the Purbeck Film Charitable Trust. It became a non-profit, community cinema, ran almost entirely by dedicated volunteers. Every upgrade has been made possible through grants, fundraising and donations, including the newly refurbished bar and toilets.

The ticket office window at Wareham's unique Rex Cinema

Booking Process

The booking process is straight forward. You can either book in advance via their website www.therex.co.uk or via their app ‘Rex Wareham’.

It is possible to pay on arrival, however, to avoid disappointment it is better to book in advance.

The bar at Wareham's unique Rex Cinema

Contact Details and Directions

The Rex Cinema is in the centre of Wareham. The address is 14 West Street, Wareham, BH20 4JX.

Their telephone number is 01929 554906.

To get to The Rex from our Dorset bed and breakfast, you can walk directly into Wareham until you get to the crossroads and then turn right onto West Street, or you can drive in. If you are lucky there may be a parking space opposite the cinema. If not, there are car parks in the centre of Wareham. Please refer to our blog ‘What to do on your day in Wareham’ for car parking.

The toilets at Wareham's unique Rex Cinema

Accessibility

The pay kiosk, bar and toilets are all located on the ground floor. The auditorium is on the first floor, however, should you need it, there is a stair lift.

Inside Wareham's unique Rex Cinema

Friends of the Rex

For £35 a year (time of writing), you can support this beloved cinema. As a friend of The Rex you will be supporting one of the oldest cinemas in the country. As a member you will be kept in the know with their monthly newsletter, including early notification of their film programme.

If you have enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about latest updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, then you can subscribe to our mailing list: https://eepurl.com/gWilmz