Stowmarket’s The Regal cinema manager, David Marsh, steps down after 17 years

After nearly two decades as the manager of a town’s popular cinema, David Marsh is stepping down from the role.

Having taken the reins at Stowmarket’s The Regal in 2005, David saw cinema admissions grow from 6,000 to 115,000 per year.

He also led a £3.6 million expansion project at the cinema, in Ipswich Street, which included two new screens as well as a café and bar area.

David said: “I’ve had an absolutely amazing time in Stowmarket and I’m leaving it in such a good place and I’m just ready for another challenge.

“It’s been 17 years and we’ve moved the venue on massively and I’m leaving behind an amazing management team.

“When I first started at The Regal, my ex-wife was pregnant with my eldest daughter - and that daughter works at the cinema now so that’s how long it's been.”

Last month, The Regal was nominated as one of six cinemas across the UK for the Screen International Cinema of the Year Award at the Big Screen Awards.

David also took on the responsibility of Stowmarket’s arts and entertainment manager and worked with the town council to manage StowFiesta, Stowmarket Beach Party, the Christmas Fayre, remembrance services and also hosted the Stowmarket Town Awards.

Deputy manager Beth Couch will be taking on David’s role.

Among the moments that stand out during his time as manager was the devastating fire in 2009 that put the cinema out of business for six months.

“One of the saddest and happiest moments was after the fire,” he said. “We had just started turning the admissions round and we just felt like all our hard work was for nothing and we had no idea what was going to happen.

“The day after the fire, the people of Stowmarket came in and wished us well and they all said they couldn’t wait for The Regal to come back stronger - we probably had 20 people bring in cakes for us.

“It was so kind. I’ll miss a lot about The Regal, but actually the kindness and support from the people in town is what I think I’ll miss the most.”

David’s last day is on Christmas Eve before starting his new role at an 1800 capacity venue in Essex in the new year.

David Blackburn, Stowmarket Town Clerk, said: “David’s passion for the Regal has always shone through.

“Excellent customer service has lay at the heart of everything that he and his team have strived to achieve over the years.

“As a result, the Regal has become an outstanding venue.”

Phil Clap, Chief Executive of the UK Cinema Association, added: “In his time at the Regal, David has transformed the venue into one of the key independent cinemas in the UK, and one to which many look for lessons on community engagement and audience development.

"The Regal’s recent short-listing for Cinema of the Year at the nationwide Big Screen Awards, and the vote of confidence evidenced by the local authority’s multi-million-pound investment in expansion of the venue, are full testament to David’s unstinting energy and visionary leadership.

"He moves on with the thanks not just of his community of cinema-goers, but also the wider UK cinema sector."