A trip to the cinema is not always worthy of a podcast, but the Regent Street Cinema in the West End of London is a little bit special. I first visited this cinema in October 2014, when it was still mid-refurbishment. This week, I was lucky enough to see it in all its splendour, just a whisker ahead of its official opening.

I had a good nose around, and spoke to the artistic director Shira MacLeod as well as Anna McNally from the university archives. Take a look around this picture gallery, and have a listen to the podcast, which explains the unique history of this building, and what we can expect from its forthcoming programme.

Listen to the Silent London podcast: a visit to the Regent Street Cinema

As ever, you can find this podcast, and all our previous editions, on iTunes.

Regent Street Cinema

Regent Street Cinema – those plush seats, and a glimpse of the booth

Regent Street Cinema – one of the personalised chairs named by people who contributed to the refurbishment of the cinema

Regent Street Cinema projection booth – the left hand half

Regent Street Cinema projection booth – the right hand half

Regent Street Cinema – the popcorn is strictly artisan

Regent Street Cinema balcony

Regent Street Cinema – a glimpse of one of the mouldings

Regent Street Cinema

Regent Street Cinema

Regent Street Cinema

Regent Street Cinema – the projection booth in full

Regent Street Cinema – proper plush cinema seats

Regent Street Cinema balcony

Regent Street Cinema

Regent Street Cinema panorama