Omniplex sold out for Fifty Shades of Grey

With promises of ‘the biggest UK and Ireland Valentine’s Day Box-Office of all time’, the women of Lisburn proved the predictions right in record numbers last weekend.

A spokesperson for Omniplex Cinemas said Fifty Shades of Grey, starring Jamie Dornan, was one of the biggest opening nights they had seen in the city since the movie Sex and the City was released several years ago.

Some 77 screenings of the movie are being held in Lisburn this week and over the weekend 14 screenings sold out.

The spokesperson said the film was shown in four screens in the city in the opening week and 27,000 people have already watched it in Omniplex cinemas in Northern Ireland.

“It was definitely one of the biggest weekend crowds for any opening movie I have been to,” said one woman who is an avid cinemagoer.

“There was only the very odd man there - but really it was very much a girlie night out. There was a good atmosphere, but also plenty of shushing as it was nearly impossible to keep some of the highly excited women quiet.

“They were there for the fun of it.”

Another excited cinemagoer who was there with friends commented: “The cinema was packed and it was just mayhem.”

“There were absolutely no seats free - not that I could see, and the people just kept coming in - even when the film was starting they were still pouring in.”

She said only a few courageous men dared turn up.

“There were very few men there, but I think the ones that were had probably been dragged along - they looked a bit worried.

“There were a few people who were a bit loud too and a lot of people laughing and giggling.

“Everyone was in high spirits and there were a lot of real fans there.

“I’m a big fan of the books and so I was really keen to see the film - after all we’ve waited a year and a half since they announced they were going to make the movie.”

Another movie goer felt the film did the books justice.

“The two main characters were presented just like the book and they did it all really well - it was worth the wait.

“I’m going back this Saturday to see it again - there’s a group of mates going.”

For another viewer of the movie the best bit was the ending.

“It just wasn’t what I was expecting and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

“Now I can’t wait for 50 Shades Darker,” she said.