Nub News gets socially distanced UP Close with Vivienne Warren, manager at the Palace Bingo and Cinema Hall in Felixstowe, who talks about her love for the job, how diversity is the key and Pretty Woman.

After 43 years in the business, 23 of those at the Palace, Vivienne knows a thing or two about the entertainment bliss, hasten the changes, for better and worse and has a clear idea about how she sees the future.

While the cinema big boys including the likes of Cineworld and Vue, are either closing completely or really shortening their hours, the Palace has retained its loyal customers and would be even busier if it were not for the government restrictions.

Bingo is as popular as ever, and it is not just the free lunches that act as a lure, and the true cinematic experience is still pulling in the crowds, despite competition from the likes of Netflix, and offering something more has been the key at the Hamilton Road complex.

"Here we can bring not just films, but concerts, musicals, ballets, plays, operas, boxing and other sporting events," said Vivienne. "We have grown so much and have different sets of audience for each. It is a fabulous thing and I'm so proud to be able to give that to the people of this town.

"As long as we have content to show we will stay open as cinema too. It could be we go down the events route more, where we know people will come from Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich and other places."

The whole thing about visiting the Palace, from its sensible pricing, comfort and safety and the whole customer experience is what still draws people to its film showings and Vivienne added: "Netflix is a different thing and I understand people will stay at home. But I don't care, because unless you are really wealthy, you will not get that cinematic experience in your own home.

"It is not just the film is the size of the screen, the surround side, the whole cinema experience, and my cheesy chips are world famous.

"The people who choose to come here are not from necessarily Felixstowe, half or more from elsewhere and we do what we can to keep people coming more than once.

Pricing all their confectionary at £1 for bags of sweets, drinks £1 or £1.50 and popcorn ridiculously low means a young family that all want different things can find it an affordable treat.

She said: "I would rather see that young family once week, or one a month rather than every six months so we have to make money but we have to look after the customer and they can get four times the experience."

After years of having to be in the shadow of the multiplex venues, Vivienne does not have an awful lot of sympathy for the big boys and believes the Place will survive despite them.

She said: "They have always been the one to call the shouts and made the rules for the rest of us to follow. Sadly, when the demand for film rose, that meant smaller cinemas had to wait.

"Also, whereas once the split percentage back in the day was 35%, it is now 65% and the big boys have done that. To make it worse, it is not even film now, it is on discs."

Despite being at the very heart of the cinema experience, Vivienne admits she is not a movie buff and relies on the previews and customers, to know what's on.

"I could watch them but I'm usually too busy," she said. "I have never really been a film person although I try and learn a bit about the film so I can advice when asked.

"The thing I miss most at the moment is I don't get to se the people to get their feedback because they now have to leave by another door."

That lack of interaction was made worse when Vivienne and he team of 15 were furloughed. She admitted: "I'm quite a workaholic and like being busy. When I was stuck at home I did watch Pretty Woman for the second time. It was amazing, a really good feeling film."

Now preparing for the new norm, the astute businesswoman had already put plans for future in place by successfully applying for a 24 hour drinks licence so the place could live screen huge sporting events from around the world, including championship boxing from America.

Vivienne said: "One of my intentions is to tune into live sporting events, like the big boxing matches, which

"They won't come in to get drunk, they will want to watch an event and enjoy a drink.

"Even earlier in the evening people can finish work, come in and have a pint, have their tea and watch a film."

It is evident how much Vivienne loves the old Palace, loves her work and most important all her customers.

As she explained fully in yesterday's

Formoredetails,ortobookaslotgotothe[L]http://www.palacebingo.co.uk/the-felixstowe-palace/">Palace Cinema and Bingo website here