CINEMA returned to Horley for the first time in three decades and there was not a spare seat in the house.
The 'sold out' signs were up outside The Archway Theatre, which was rebranded The Picture Palace for the night on March 2.
The furore which surrounded news a cinema could have been built on the Newman House site prompted volunteers at the The Drive, Horley, theatre to take advantage of the cinema license they have had for many years.
The evening had an old-school feel, with a traditional cinema commissionaire greeting guests and a double bill of Last Shop Standing (2012) and documentary short Chessboxing.
There were no spaces in the 95-seater auditorium where a screen was lowered set up in front of the stage to create the cinema.
Archway volunteers say if the project takes off there is scope for bigger films down the line.
"The evening was a resounding success," said volunteer Keith Wood, who masterminded the scheme.
"The whole place was buzzing with anticipation.
"It was so good to have a cinema back in Horley, it was fantastic."
Robert Stern, director of Chessboxing, was the guest of honour and led a small opening ceremony in the theatre bar.
The films were preceded by vintage footage with clips of old Horley cinemas and nostalgic adverts, while rock 'n roll band Mojobox got some audience members dancing after the show.
Resident Brian Buss, a member of the Horley History Society, said: "I thought this was a terrific evening and it was great to have cinema back in the town."
The name Picture Palace was a tribute to the cinema which stood in Horley in the early 20th century.
Mr Wood says they are planning more films at The Archway, but they have not fixed the next date yet.
Visit www.archwaytheatre.co.uk for information.
