More than a dozen former Odeon workers met up yesterday (9 June) – and the stories they told could have come straight from one of the films they used to project on the silver screens.

Star-studded receptions, late night parties in the theatres and even a death in the aisles were just some of the tales that were told at the Ex-Servicemen's Club in Priestgate, Peterborough.

The cinema, which was located on the site of the Broadway Theatre, near the city centre, closed in 1991, and many of the staff who worked there were on hand for the celebration.

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Pat Smith, who was assistant manager of the cinema between 1974 and 1982, said: "It was a fantastic place to work, and we all have so many fond memories.

"I remember when the first Star Wars film opened, and people were queuing right down the stairs and completely blocked Park Road.

"We also had a few costumes, and someone dressed as Darth Vader, and the Storm Troopers got on a bus – there was one old lady on board, and she didn't bat an eyelid.

"We used to go to Screen 1 when we closed for the night and party 'til 5am. But you could not do that today."

Mrs Smith (59), said she also remembered the time a film-goer died in the theatre.

She said: "He had gone to watch an adult film in screen three, and we found him passed out on the floor.

"We called an ambulance, but unfortunately he died later. His wife called and asked what screen he had been in, but I dare not tell her what he had been watching."

Betty Bellamy (77) said she remembered some of the stars that used to visit the cinema. She said: "We used to have some spectacular champagne receptions and premieres. I remember Q from one of the James Bond films coming along, and Jackie Stewart was here as well. it was fantastic."

Gwen Kennelly (80) who started working at the cinema in 1962, said that today's multiplex's were not as good as the olden days.

She said: "There is not the personal touch anymore. We used to speak to the customers as they came out, and we wore evening dress for the night shows. In today's cinemas, people are pushed straight in and out.

"We used to love the children's matinées on Saturdays, even though it would be left in a bit of a mess. It is not the same anymore."

Odeon Cinema's history
The Odeon was opened on Thursday, September 2, 1937, and closed on Saturday, November 23, 1991.

When it opened it was the second largest building in the city after the cathedral.

It became the city's first triple screen cinema in 1973, and seated up to 800 people.

The final films screened at the cinema were What About Bob, Boyz N the Hood and City Slickers.

The new Broadway Entertainment complex opened with the European premiere of Hollywood blockbuster Pearl Harbour in 2001.