The Cast
Matthew Grainger
Secretary, anagement committee volunteer
Why NCC?
Been a cinephile since I was knee high to an Ewok - an avid devourer of films, scores, movie texts & scripts, and devout advocate of enjoying movies on the Big Screen. The Pandemic only highlighted to me the enormous importance & benefits of watching films together, experiencing movies socially, the discussions and interpretations that follow each screening. Which is why we do what we do!
FAVOURITE MOVIE:
Jaws, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Boogie Nights,
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A MOVIE:
Robin Williams or Jim Broadbent.
Felicia Matheson
Treasurer, management committee volunteer
NCC Volunteer since the dawn of time (2009)
Why NCC?
It came about like any other great idea…a chat over a beer in a bar. After coming home from travelling and living away. there was nothing like this in our area. So after chats with similar minded folks, we thought well why not start one ourselves!
We all agreed from the start that we wanted a Community Cinema and not a film club - something inclusive and fun for all types of people.
So the long yet fun process began - to get Newcastle its very own Cinema!
FAVOURITE MOVIE:
Labyrinth, The Lion King, Death Proof and anything with Sandra Bullock
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A MOVIE:
I dread to think but Sandra Bullock obviously.
Lucy Royal-Dawson
Management committee volunteer
Why NCC?
Sometime in 2012, I heard on the radio that Newcastle Community Cinema had won an award for best community cinema of the year. You what? An awarding-winning community cinema in Newcastle? I had no idea NCC even existed. So, when we moved back to the area in 2016, I was round to NCC like a shot, happy to help in any way I could. I love its sense of fun, love of movies and community focus.
FAVOURITE MOVIE:
This week they are: Orlando, Galaxy Quest, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas.
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A MOVIE:
The Great Gonzo or Ethel Merman
Rob Manley
Chair, management committee volunteer
Why NCC?
Theres nothing quite like the excitement and escapism of a trip to the cinema, munching away on your popcorn as the lights go down and the iconic intro of 20th century fox booms out of the speakers! (Other Studios available)
A fanboy of low-budget 80’s horror, sci fi and anything John Carpenter!
Lliving in semi rural Newcastle, I really grew tired of what the local multiplex had to offer. So I thought the only logical thing was to start our very own Cinema!
In 2009, along with some like minded folk, Newcastle Community Cinema (NCC) was born with a view to bringing a heady mix of classic, independent and documentary cinema to Newcastle and the surrounding area. It wasn’t long before we developed our very own brand of immersive, event based cinema which we soon became renowned for. 13 Years on and NCC is a vibrant independent cinema ran by passionate volunteers with the community very much at its heart, running regular screenings, workshops and events coupled with our annual Full Moon Film Festival (now in its 8th year)
FAVOURITE MOVIES:
John Carpenter’s The Thing (mutters ‘Weekend at Bernies’ under my breath)
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A MOVIE:
Paddy Considine apparently
Giles Conlon
NCC Co-ordinator (Full-TIme)
Why NCC?
As a kid and teenager, the Iveagh Cinema in Banbridge was my second home. From my earliest memories of The Black Cauldron to 80’s classics like Back To The Future and Top Gun - I was hooked on movies. When I was 16, I worked in the local Xtra-Vision store and progressed to the cinema multiplexes during my university years and onto management in independent cinemas including most notably the Iveagh Movie Studios cinema and live theatre venue in Banbridge where I was Centre Manager for 14 years. The entertainment business is in my blood and I can’t escape it!
Over the years I have admired the intimacy of the independent and community cinemas who bring the much desired element of friendly socialising and fun. Having partnered with NCC in the past to bring together some wonderful events, I have been in awe of their dedication and success and I feel privileged to be part of this award winning team.
Favourite movies?
Leon and other close contenders: Legends Of The Fall, It’s A Wonderful Life, Pretty Woman
Who would play you in a movie?
Wishful thinking would say MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY.
Vera Edelstein
NCC Co-ordinator (Part-Time)
Why NCC?
I fell in love with the NCC when first passing it on one of my first visits to Newcastle. I was amazed and impressed by the diverse programme of movies and events appealing to all parts of the society. And basically it is realised solely by volunteers! A Cinema made by and for the community- what a great idea!
So, not very surprisingly, I started volunteering shortly after moving here in 2023 and jumped at the available part time position in July 2024. Being new to town and country, I particularly appreciate being part of this welcoming NCC family and love seeing people coming and enjoying themselves.
Favourite movies?
Dead Poets Society, The Artist, Bridget Jones, all Musicals/Movies with lots of singing and/or dancing, MCU...
Who would play you in a movie?
I wonder....Reese Witherspoon?