Everyman and Royal William Yard make a perfect match – both are full of history, heritage and style. Since 2023, the team here has worked hard to introduce people in Plymouth to what makes Everyman so different: it’s more than just a cinema – it’s an experience. From the sofas and service to the curated playlists and restaurant-quality food (some of our suppliers even cater to the Royal Family!), it’s a cut above the traditional cinema night out.

But brand reputation alone isn’t enough – we’ve made a real effort to connect with our local community, curating events that reflect what matters most to people here. That’s what makes this job so special.

That includes things like working with Urban Splash on Shark Month – screening Jaws and hosting a brilliant Q&A with shark experts. It was such a hit we’re doing it again this year.

And one of the most powerful moments of the last year came when we screened Sunray: A Fallen Soldier – a film created by local Royal Marines. They reached out asking if we’d consider showing it. We ran the film for a couple of weeks, and the response was incredible – full houses of current and former soldiers, proud to see their work on the big screen.

We’ve also partnered with the Chestnut Appeal, a local charity that supports men with cancer. When they organised an open-water swim around Drake’s Island, we ran a themed film screening for the swimmers afterwards. That’s Plymouth – open water swimming is in our blood!

But we’re not stopping there; this year, we’re taking part in Plymouth’s Pirates Weekend, showing pirate-themed films right here at the Yard. We’re also teaming up with the South West Coast Path team for the release of The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson – some of which was filmed just down the road.

And it’s not all blockbusters – we run baby and toddler cinema clubs, complete with coffee, cake, and sometimes even expert Q&As for new parents. We’ve worked with local youth charity Fotonow too, screening films created by young people right here in the Yard.

That’s what I love most – blending a national brand with local stories and creating something that truly belongs in Plymouth. Royal William Yard is such a vibrant place and the perfect location for us to do this work – from the beautiful historic fabric of the building to the people living working and visiting the Yard.

I’m incredibly proud that Everyman gets to be part of it and genuinely love coming here each day.