Barbie and Oppenheimer films lead to ‘manic’ week at Bridgwater cinema

Across the country, Barbie and Oppenheimer have brought the biggest weekend for cinema-going since 2019 and generated nearly £30 million, according to the UK Cinema Association.

And Bridgwater has embraced the ‘Barbenheimer’ spirit, with showings of both films selling out at the seven-screen venue, which opened in October.

Staff members and customers of all ages have continued to don their pink clothes and suits throughout the week to take part in an online phenomenon that has seen thousands of people watch the films back-to-back. 

Both films have proved popular in Bridgwater since they were released on Friday, July 21. (Image: Newsquest)

Cinema manager Zac Tucker said: “There's been a buzz about them all week. It was manic, to be honest.

“People came out in their droves for both films, and people have dressed up for both. We've had a lot of people do ‘Barbenheimer’ and watch them both. 

“Saturday was the busiest day we've had since we opened at the new venue. Hopefully, that will continue into the summer. 

“The cinema industry has been quiet over the past few years but this shows, with the right films, people still want to come.” 

Greta Gerwig's film stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken. (Image: PA)

Speaking about the staff, he said: “We've all been dressing up.

“Most of us have been dressed up for Barbie. I've been going around in my roller blades dressed like Ken. 

“One staff member's been wearing a suit and a mask for Oppenheimer.”

Barbie has been watched by more people at Northgate Yard, but this has been put down to its shorter runtime, meaning the cinema can offer more showtimes. 

“If Oppenheimer was a similar length, it would have had a similar amount of business, but Barbie's just blown up,” said Zac. 

“It's been the busiest week we've had in the new cinema. It's a bit of a shock when you go from a two-screen cinema to a seven-screen being busy. 

“The new cinema is destination venue – we definitely bring in customers from Taunton and elsewhere.

“It's been so busy. I think there's been some repeat visits, as well.”

Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh at the photo call for Oppenheimer in Trafalgar Square. (Image: PA)

Greta Gerwig's Barbie follows Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) on a journey of self-discovery after an existential crisis, leading them from Barbie Land to the real world. 

Its soundtrack features songs from big-name artists such as Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, Haim, Sam Smith, Nicki Minaj and Lizzo. 

Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan’s epic about the “father” of the atomic bomb, has a star-studded cast including Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr and Emily Blunt.