The document contains testimonials from supporters of the Electric Palace cinema in Hastings praising its role in the community. Supporters highlight the cinema's curation of diverse, independent and classic films, and note how it has provided a venue for film screenings, live music, poetry readings and community events. Regular visitors and volunteers express their fond memories and appreciation for the cinema creating a welcoming space and building a sense of community. The testimonials demonstrate the positive impact of the Electric Palace in bringing people together and enriching the cultural life of Hastings.

1. Electric Palace – what our
supporters say
We asked our regulars, volunteers and
friends of the Electric Palace to share
their special memories of the cinema.
Here are just a few of the highlights from
over the years – nearly two decades!

2. Iain Sinclair – Filmmaker, writer
and audience member
“The Electric Palace, along with certain pubs, book caves, huts
and gaudy hutches, defined a sense of what Hastings could offer.
As being electively bohemian, out at the elbow, scavenging and
scrapping for cultural traces, in a spirit of communality and
excited chatter over the latest Andrew Kötting image collision.
We have enjoyed screenings and performances, brokered by
Rebecca Marshall or Nick Johnson. Occasionally, I have moved
from lolling in a chair to standing out-front. I remember
particularly a poetry reading with Pete Brown, who I admired but
never met back in the day. Long may this enterprise survive.”

3. Gwyneth Wint – director
of Afrikaba Film Festival
“The Electric Palace has been an
invaluable partner and cinema base for
Afrikaba Film Screenings, which showcase
black film from the UK and around the
world. The Electric Palace is an old school
cinema with modern ideas and family
values.”

4. Annie Waite – Electric
Palace Marketing Manager
“There have been so many highlights – in particular some of the
hilarious chalkboards - but top of the list was persuading the
delightful musician and acclaimed US author Willy Vlautin to join
us for a Q&A alongside a screening of the film adaptation of his
first novel, The Motel Life. He was characteristically charming and
it really was such an honour.
Similarly, securing alt country/Americana legends Peter Bruntnell,
Danny Champ and Neil Halstead for a gig was an absolute hoot.
Oh yes, and comedian Phil Kay literally climbing up the cinema
walls! I look forward to creating more opportunities to bring great
musicians and comedians with film connections to the cinema in
the future to gather even more great memories.”

5. Peter Swaab -
Poet
“I came across the Electric Palace Cinema by chance on a
visit to Hastings one summer weekend. I was immediately
excited by the flair and seriousness of the programme
detailed in the leaflets outside. The scale of the cinema was
promising and romantic too. The flourishing of such a small
independent venue implied a good deal of behind-the-
scenes energy, commitment and knowledge. I made a note
of the screening times and arrived full of curiosity and
expectation. Since then I’ve nearly always attended
screenings at the EPC on south coast visits, looking forward
to the retro seats, the bar before and after the film, the
excellent choice of films and the pre-screening feeling of
excitement in the (usually) packed venue.
One highlight for me was Abel Gance’s 1919 J’accuse. It was
wonderful to see such a film on a large screen and with the
concentration that comes of sharing it with a live audience.
Not many places would have the nerve to screen a rarity of
this kind by one of cinema’s great pioneers. I like to think of
future filmmakers being inspired by this kind of event. The
EPC keeps the best traditions of film alive, and who knows
what afterlife its programmes might lead to?”

6. Geraldine Franklin - Volunteer
“Lovely interior, deep red, with
lovely lighting and a great
intimate space to relax in with
like minded people. Lovely to
connect with customers who
love good film.”

7. Glenys Jacques –
volunteer for 18
years
“An important aspect for me is
reflecting the culture of the
community by putting on events
that reflect everyone. I like
putting on one woman shows,
supporting creative women film
makers and writers, and
collaborating on all kinds of
women’s projects that are
unique. The community is
proactive in suggesting great
ideas for us, and know we are
always prepared to work
together.”

8. David Hazleton – regular visitor to screenings
“I remember attending the Sunday afternoon screenings
when the cinema first began and enjoyed the friendly, intimate
atmosphere with classic films such as A Taste of Honey or
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, but was perplexed one
afternoon to find a 'SOLD OUT' sign outside and wondered
what was so special about Jacques Tati and Mr. Hulot’s Holiday
- luckily I managed to catch the evening performance and so
began my real love affair with cinema and the Electric Palace.
Being in a packed cinema with the whole audience laughing
along was so beautiful and things just got better with stylish,
funny, sad, astonishing films following one after the other.
Over the years I have laughed and cried and just wanted to say
Thank you Electric Palace for such treasured memories.”

9. Kim Clarke – Bar and
cinema supervisor
“I absolutely loved being part of Mel Byron’s show
at the cinema last year - Old Movies Saved My Life.
She is such a lovely lady, and a great performer. I
was inspired and have become addicted to old
movies now. This week I've watched Key Largo,
The Thin Man and Wings which was the first film
to win Best Picture at the 1st Academy Awards in
1929. Highly recommend all of them.”

10. Chris Pierre - Volunteer
“My favourite thing about the Electric Palace is
whether one is volunteering, partying or
watching a film it feels ‘clubby’ (that of having
had a shared experience) not a feeling you get
leaving the Odeon! There is a sense of 'belonging'
... old and new faces often stop to chat before
and/or after the film and you get "thankyous" as
people leave if you’ve been volunteering ... and
it's SO IMPORTANT that such a place exists in the
old town! Viva I’Electric.”

11. Paul Sargent, volunteer and
former film archivist for the
Imperial War Museum
“In 2012, having just retired (from a background as a film archivist) and hoping to
continue my interest in film, I volunteered. At that point I didn’t quite realise how
different the exhibition side of film was and neither did I think that eight years later I’d
still be involved. I helped on the door for the screening of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.
To say the rest is history is understating the work that has been put in.
We have certainly gone from strength to strength over the years, sharing the workload
with many helpful and interested others (notably Jessica for about six years, Chris, poor
Jo, Susan and latterly Liz and many others – not forgetting Rachel and Alan!).
We have many regulars for the Thursday morning Silver Screenings. Although our
demographic is towards the older age group, there is an enthusiasm for many different
genres and to ‘pigeon hole’ the audience is to do them a disservice. The past few
months have seen the popularity of Thursday mornings increase, with many sell-outs
(great programming!), although handing out 48 free teas and coffees can be a bit
demanding, especially when people then ask where’s their biscuit (I tell them to try the
Odeon – but we have better films!).
Let’s hope we can resume soon.”

12. Olivia Cavanagh -
volunteer
“I really enjoyed Parent and Baby
screenings. It was perfect timing for
me, from just after Erin was born
until she was about 18 months. It
was great to feed the babies and
they'd sleep and you could enjoy a
film - something that wasn't possible
for many years afterwards!
Electric Palace has also always been
very supportive of Hastings Supports
Refugees, donating profits from
ticket sales from showings of the
documentaries Sierra Leone's
Refugee All Stars and Human Flow to
the project.”

13. Ken Edwards – friend of the cinema
“When my partner and I were contemplating moving to Hastings Old Town back in 2004,
one of the clinchers was the existence of a tiny art-house cinema only minutes’ walk
away. What a privilege! And over the nearly 15 years we lived there we found the
Electric Palace indispensable. An ever-changing daily programme of interesting,
sometimes obscure and sometimes awesome films, a cosy atmosphere, with
enthusiastic staff and volunteers running the place. And you could have a glass of wine
or a beer while you watched the film. In the early days the rickety seats were part of the
ambience too, but it was definitely a bonus when the cinema was refurbished, the
sound became better and it was altogether more comfortable.
I will never forget the time when the projectionist couldn’t find how to turn on the
subtitles on a Spanish film, and appealed to the audience for help. People tried to give
assistance, with no luck. It was then announced that the film would run without
subtitles and those who wished could have their money back. I don’t think anybody
claimed this. It also became clear that a really good film could be followed without
necessarily understanding the language.
We moved out of the Old Town recently, so don’t come so often, but we think this is a
huge community resource that deserves all the support it can get.”

14. Nicholas Johnson – Poet,
Black Huts director and
volunteer
“I first visited the Electric Palace from Devon in May 2008.
I recall watching eight short films which was my introduction to
Roland Jarvis painter and filmmaker, and the beginning of a
friendship. I also was knocked out by Richard Heslop’s debut film.
The spirit of the old town - always welcoming, hedonistic and
interested in the world outside - is often conveyed by the cinema,
it's audience and the enriching programming which also shows how
many community groups, film programmers and artists contribute
to the ebb and flow of the old room's spirit.”

15. Glenn Veness – local resident and
filmmaker
“For many years I was filming the Old Town and making short films about our wonderful
community. They never got much recognition, but were done solely to keep a history of
Hastings and its eclectic inhabitants and local fisherman. I loved the Electric Palace when it
first opened its doors in 2002, because they showed such wonderful diverse films, many
foreign. This appealed to me as I'm not a fan of American 'blockbusters', many of which do
very little to stretch the imagination. At last we were able to see thought-provoking movies
being shot by independent film makers, some of them residing locally. One day Rebecca
Marshall approached me and asked if I would let them show some of my work! I was
astonished as I never felt my films would be seen on the 'Big Screen'. I felt 10ft tall when they
showed them for the first time to a packed audience during Old Town Week. After that it
became a regular event once a year, and we would do 3 consecutive half an hour screenings
in one evening, all sold out! The queue to get in used to go up passed Roebuck House.
I would like to thank the team at the cinema for bringing so much to the community and
appreciate their commitment in showing not only films, but varied forms of live
entertainment. I feel it is crucial, as while we can't change the world, we CAN change our
communities. For me this is far more important. And if you’re thinking of making a visit, I now
do a Friday Night Is Music Night with Mike Willis, a Country singer from Nashville. These
evenings are always sold out too! The Electric Palace has made my world, and the thousands
of people who use the cinema each year, a far richer place to live in.”

16. Liz Bourn - volunteer
“I love volunteering at the cinema - my regular Thursday morning slot certainly
enriches my week! There is almost a ‘club’ atmosphere with regulars, some of which
take it quite personally if we’re sold out and there are no tickets left. Still it makes
for a bit of excitement!
I am so looking forward to the cinema reopening as I’m sure, are plenty of others
who, to put it simply, just love cinema. Our clientele seem to enjoy our varied
programmes although, of course, not every film pleases every customer!
I think, if I have to pick a film which sticks in my mind, it would be Son of Saul. I went
as a customer with 'uncle’ Simon and we both found it a traumatic watch. For me it
was the background sounds which haunt me to this day.
Everyone keep indie-cinemas alive.”

17. Cath Tajima-Powell – staff
member
“Its a curious thing being the projectionist sitting at the back of
the cinema. Once you have started the film and checked the
sound levels are just so, then it’s time to watch the audience as
well as the film! The experience of some films is so intense that
the emotion is palpable from the rows of silhouetted heads and
tense stances. You know instinctively not to break that tension at
the end of the film but keep the lights down as long as possible
to allow the audience to scramble their way back to the real
world.
Watching a good film at the pint-sized Electric Palace is always a
collective experience. And we are more than happy to leave you
sitting in stunned silence for as long as it takes or have a post-
mortem chinwag before you exit.”

18. John Knowles –
volunteer and
B-Movie Fan Club
co-programmer
“One of the special features of
the B-Movie night is our ever
forgiving audience, who basically
have plot lines and tricks exposed
by Robin in his opening speech
and who put up with technical
breakdowns like the time when
the film we were showing
reverted to Italian with no
subtitles, despite many failed
attempts we could only watch
half the film in Italian... Which
everyone voted to do rather than
miss the nail-biting climax lol.”

19. Leslie Jarvis – volunteer
“Two things that have had a particular resonance with being part of the cinema
have to do with very different age groups.
The first I witnessed on one of the Tuesday mornings when I used to come and
help cinema manager Alan. A group of autistic teenagers arrived with a group
leader to see the cinema and talk about what goes on there. Alan directed a Q&A
session.
Everyone was so engaged and I thought this is SO fantastic that the Electric
Palace is being used to engage young, differently abled kids.
Secondly, on a Thursday morning I saw a mass of excited (again, very engaged)
group of senior citizens all buzzing with excitement to come in, get their teas, to
chat with each other in their seats, watch the film and to chat afterwards.
I spoke with a number of them on their way out and they said that they always
come and now knew people from these Thursdays. What an amazing result on so
many levels! Community involvement, engaging some of the older members of
our society, giving people something to look forward to during their weeks -
ultimately improving the quality of their lives.
Well done E.P. for providing a place for these things to happen!”

20. Timothy Neat – Filmmaker, writer and photographer
“My memory is of it is less as a cinema and more as a venue for
poets and singers - some using a level of projection to advance
the tenor of songs and poems. Indeed some presentations were
made by the confusion caused by chaos caused when sound, light
and heat are produced. Energy is nothing more than that. Thus
there is a real sense in which the Electric Palace takes things and
people back to the origins of time - to the Big Bang when the
universe was set in motion by uncontrolled energy obeying
absolute laws (some of which mankind much later was to get
written down into text books).
So thank you to Rebecca for getting us back to brass-tack. She like
Hercules has carried the world (in Hastings) on her back and she
deserves a clap - sustained for some time - for who knows what
will happen in time. Anyone who gives a poet his first outing in
seventy years deserves not just a clap but a cheer and the
continuance of the Cinema she continues to redeem. Hold Steady.
March at Ease Lads, March Easy - Rebecca is here!

21. David Hazleton
– regular
visitor to
screenings
“Regarding the community aspect of the Electric Palace I recently
heard someone say (as they politely refused an invitation to sit
with friends) that they had come to the cinema to escape people
and to see a film. It got me thinking to how we all come to escape
and I myself appreciate the opportunity to unwind and feel the
stress leave me as I enjoy what is on offer; like relishing an old
friend or learning or discovering something new.
The community of the cinema is the whole wide world and we are
all here - the eccentric, beautiful, gentle, generous, friendly, funny,
sometimes late or sometimes people you sit behind with masses of
hair, or the tallest in town… I just think the mix is splendid and
whether it is Nuts in May (we will probably all be nuts by then), It’s
A Wonderful Life or whatever else captures your imagination, the
Electric Palace is the perfect community cinema and is at the heart
of our community and long may it continue.
I am happy to be a part of it.”