In pictures: 30 years on from lights, camera, action at Peterborough Showcase

METP ET library copies official opening of showcase cinema by Princess Anne she is talking to geoff capes 1988

I wonder how many Peterborians enjoyed a first date at Showcase in Boongate... and how many of them went on to get married?

Showcase Cinema opened in 1988 with the then North West Cambridgeshire MP Brian Mawhinney cutting the ribbon ( picture right).

A few months later, in April 1989, there was a glittering event at the £6milliom, 11-screen theatre with the first Royal Premiere held outside London.

Princess Anne was the guest of honour and is pictured talking to Olympic shot putter and local policeman Geoff Capes.

The picture far right shows the Princess being amused by a little girl who will be in her 20s now.

I wonder who she was?If you know please get in touch.

The picture (top left) shows royalty too, but this time it’s Hollywood royalty in the considerable shape of actor and action man Dolph Lundgren.

His height is emphasised by the lady on the stool. Presumably she was on the staff at the cinema. Does anybody know who she was and why Dolph was at the cinema?

The next picture along shows the then mayor Cllr Rex Perkins and his wife Maggie cutting the first sod as the development got underway.

The other pictures show various interior and exterior views of the movie complex.

If you have any memories or pictures please get in touch.