FOLLOWING a successful pantomime, the new film season at the Empire is set to get underway.

First up, on Friday, February 2, will be PG-rated The Great Escaper, which tells the story of Benjamin Jordan, who escapes from his care home to attend the 70th Anniversary of the D-day Landings in France.

It stars Michael Caine, Glenda Jackson, Danielle Vitalis and John Standing.

Doors open at 7.15pm for 7.45pm. All seats are £7.50.

February 7 sees the return of the Wednesday matinees.

The Empire will be showing The Miracle Club, rated 12, which stars Maggie Smith, Laura Linney and Kathy Bates.

There is just one dream for the women of Ballygar to taste freedom and escape the gauntlet of domestic life - to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes.

Doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. All seats are £7.50.

The Royal Opera House streaming of Manon from The Royal Ballet is also on that evening.

Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.15 pm. All seats are £16.50 or £12.50 for under-18s.

There will be two intervals in this 3-hour 15-minute ballet.

The Empire has also announced in advance its matinee showing on February 21, which will be the hugely popular Barbie.

A Haunting in Venice will be shown on March 1, with The Great Escaper returning on March 6.

Credit cards are now accepted for all performances.