Reopening of Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater

Collaborative Post (Gifted)¦ What was the last ‘normal’ thing you did before the lockdown at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic? For us, it was going to see Zog  and The Highway Rat at Showcase Cinemas de Lux Bluewater last March! It seems a lifetime ago now. Although cinemas opened again for a while last year, I was heavily pregnant with Reuben and largely self-isolating. Therefore, with the re-opening of cinemas this week it almost felt like we’d come full circle when we went to see Peter Rabbit 2 yesterday.

Safety

I was a little apprehensive when the email came through inviting me to visit. I feel that while things have drastically improved, it’s definitely still necessary to exercise caution. As such, we decided to go to a screening of Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway at 2.30pm. We picked this time as we knew Bluewater and the cinema would be quiet then. Indeed, it was virtually empty when we arrived, Autumn wearing bunny ears especially for the occasion!

Showcase Cinema Bluewater

I needn’t have worried anyway. I felt at ease at the cinema and it was so amazing to feel safe enough to do something ‘normal’ after all this time. Going to the cinema is definitely on the long list of things I’ll never take for granted again! There were many signs around key areas providing information on the cinema’s Covid-19 rules to ensure people’s safety. There were also hand sanitising stations dotted around as well as a wipes dispenser outside the toilets. All the staff were wearing masks and there were perspex screens between us. Out of interest, I looked at the booking system online and found that the software puts empty seats between you and other people after booking to ensure social distancing.

Excitement

As for Autumn, she was SO excited to go to the cinema. Apparently she told all her teachers and friends at nursery! It was bittersweet in some ways really, because the level of excitement reminded me of how much children have missed out on in the last year. As such, when she requested popcorn we couldn’t say no!

Thoughts on Peter Rabbit 2

I can’t tell you what it felt like, sitting in a comfy cinema chair again and seeing the title open on the big screen.

Peter Rabbit opening title

I confess I’m not a big fan of the CGI Peter Rabbit. To me, the more traditional version I watched growing up in the 90’s is so much better! Therefore, I was surprised to actually find myself really enjoying this film! Autumn loved it too and didn’t fidget or complain once. She was enthralled the whole time.

There was plenty of action and jokes for the grown ups watching as well as the children, so it was suitable for all age groups. If you’re into cars like me, there was a Land Rover I’d be proud to own and a hilarious high speed chase involving an Aston Martin.

Milestone

Yesterday marked Reuben’s first trip to the cinema. I was fully prepared to leave several times, but he was so good! He was mesmerised by the film and barely took his eyes off of the screen. Eventually he decided it was time for milk and fell asleep in my arms soon after.

Disclosure: We were gifted tickets to see Peter Rabbit 2 at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater in exchange for this review. As always, all views and opinions are honest and my own.

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