Major production to bring 'life back' to beloved former Limerick cinema
(Left to right) Director David Gleeson, Mayor John Moran, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick, Paul C Ryan, Wide Eye Films Producer Nathalie Lichtenthaeler at the former Royal Cinema in Limerick. Picture: Brian Arthur
A major production is set to bring life back to a beloved Limerick city site next week.
The filming of a new feature production is set to start on Monday at the former Royal Cinema on Cecil Street.
Directed by Cappamore director David Gleeson, tells the story of the manager of a small-town cinema who struggles to keep the peace on a chaotic Friday night at the pictures.
Starring Colin Morgan (The Fall, Merlin), India Mullen (Normal People) and Niamh Cusack (The Tower), the feel-good movie is set in 1980s Ireland and is a loving tribute to the cinema experience.
Gleeson, who wrote and directed the first feature film to be shot entirely in Limerick city, , is about to “bring life back” in the once bustling Royal Cinema.
Speaking of the feature, Gleeson said: “The cinema has profoundly shaped my life and this film reflects three generations of my family’s experiences. Anyone with fond memories of going to the pictures will find something to laugh or cry about in this film.”
Speaking of the site, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: “I am especially looking forward to seeing this building which I used to visit decades ago come alive again, even if only temporarily.
"It is an aspiration of my mayoral programme to find a way for it to serve the people of Limerick again. David and Nathalie’s welcome spotlight and their work on the building will, I am sure, be a very helpful first step and I want to thank them for choosing Limerick and the Royal for this film.”
Regional film manager from Film in Limerick, Paul C. Ryan, added: “The Royal holds so many special memories for the people of Limerick, it seems like everyone of a certain age has a story to tell about the venue, and we are excited to see it brought back to life for this production.
"We are so grateful for all the help we have received from the city to bring this opportunity to Limerick and especially all the support from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board who have helped us at every stage to make this production a reality.
"Let’s hope that soon we will see a newly renovated Royal Cinema for the people of Limerick and 'One Night Only', screened there.”
will complete principal photography in Limerick in December and is expected to premiere late 2025.
It is produced by Nathalie Lichtenthaeler and Judy Tossell for Wide Eye Films, co-produced by Belgian film house uMedia and co- financed by Screen Ireland and Myriad Pictures, Los Angeles who will also sell the film internationally.
