Two famous faces from the world of film made a surreal guest appearance in the eerie surroundings of an old Ashton cinema which a new owner aims to reopen within the next two years.

Actor Zach Galligan - Billy Peltzer in Gremlins - and Tim Cappello the ripped sax player who sang ‘I Still Believe’ in The Lost Boys movie spent nearly two hours at the mothballed former Metro on the corner of Old Street and Delamere Street, meeting local business community and council representatives, regional media, cinema buffs and historians.

As we reported earlier this month, the restored cinema will be known as The Metro Majestic, combining its late 20th Century and original 1920s names.

The stars came out to lend their support as Andy Kleek from Manchester based Monopoly Events outlined his vision to bring the much-loved landmark back to life, heading up a team experienced in managing venues and putting on large scale events. 

Guests toured the site last week to see how much work is involved

The Metro Majestic will screen new and classic films as well as hosting live music, boxing and martial arts. 

Andy, who was brought up in Ashton, has vivid memories of the cinema in the 1980s. 

“ET, Gremlins, Ghostbusters - I watched them all as a kid. I can remember the red curtain where you came in and the usherettes selling ice cream at the interval.”

Two classic screenings featuring last Thursday’s surprise guests are already pencilled in. 

Zach Galligan delved into the pages of local historian and authors, Phil and David Williams’ book ‘Flickering Memories’

“Zach will be here with us when we show Gremlins. Afterwards you’ll be able to meet him - and Gizmo. 

“We’ll also have The Lost Boys - and when it comes to the famous scene where Tim plays the saxophone, he’ll come on stage and play it for you in person!

“We’re also going to have a World War II themed cafe upstairs which will be called ‘Hetty Hall’s’ - named after my gran who was from Ashton. There will be Charleston music playing and everyone will be theme-dressed.”

Andy is confident the cinema’s return will help to revitalise Ashton town centre which he believes is long overdue. An open evening will be held in the next few weeks when you will be able to go along for a look round and hear more about the relaunch.

Images by Nigel Wood

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