The Astoria in Gloucester Place was once one of the largest and most splendid cinemas in Brighton.

But it became a bingo hall like so many other picture palaces in the Seventies. Now it lies forlorn and empty.

A bid to convert the Astoria into a young people's nightspot failed because of justifiable concerns about noise and nuisance for neighbours.

Now there are plans to bring back the building to its original use as a cinema with added live entertainment such as classical music.

Cinema is booming in Brighton with multiplexes at West Street and the Marina. But there is only one specialised picture house, the Duke of Yorks in Preston Circus.

A second and larger cinema would be welcome in a town where there is a large and lively audience for films.

The Astoria would also be another excellent large venue for shows and it would bring new vitality to a drab corner of the town.

We wish the project well. But the promoters will have to persuade the landlords and lessees their scheme is seriously viable.

Otherwise the Astoria is likely to go the way of many other fine cinemas in Brighton, being bulldozed for redevelopment.

Flop of the top

Traders at the Open Market in Brighton were delighted when Brighton and Hove Council decided to put on a new canopy.

But the work appears to have been bodged so that little protection is given to stall holders or customers from the elements.

Every effort must be made to ensure this canopy is put on properly to make the market appear more attractive.

The council should also get on with the scheme proposed by local councillors last year for a long-term major renovation of the area.

It's so un-Fair!

Seaford Operatic Company faced big enough problems tomorrow when the afternoon performance of My Fair Lady clashed with the FA Cup final.

But now they've found the BBC has cancelled Grandstand and replaced it with a blockbuster film. What a pity it happens to be My Fair Lady.

The company is now appealing to Seaford theatre stalwarts to see the show live rather than watch it on the box.

And if they did, as Eliza Doolittle says, wouldn't it be luverly?

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