Ronnie Corbett: supporter of the David Lean Cinema

Do you think it’s deliberate?

As part of its extremely well-attended Last Picture Show series to mark the closure of the David Lean Cinema, tonight they are showing one of the master’s best-known films, Brief Encounter.

Brief Encounter, introduced by… Ronnie Corbett! Boom! Boom!

It has got to be the sort of joke even Councillor Sara Bashford, Croydon’s Head of Philistinism, would understand.

Well, we might find it funny if the closure was not such an act of cultural vandalism.

After 16 successful years, the David Lean Cinema finally closes following Thursday’s shows, which are Goodbye Mr Chips and The Last Picture Show. Look-ahead, bold and insightful Croydon Council has no plans of what to do with the space in the Clock Tower Arts Centre once the cinema closes because obviously, there’s no demand for an art house cinema in a purpose-build venue in south London.

Our sources tell us that both Corbett and the final season’s other supporter, Oscar-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, have both expressed their anger and astonishment at Croydon Council’s decision. It will be interesting to hear what Ronnie might say tonight.

Inside Croydon sends its best wishes to the creative and hard-working staff for their dedication and good nature in the face of such adversity.