Latest news with #Sing2
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Texas Floods: Celebrities Speak Out as Death Toll Rises
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Several celebrities have spoken out about the devastating floods in central Texas as the death toll continues to rise. At least 82 people have been confirmed dead at the time of publication—including 28 children, The Associated Press reported. The Context Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp in Kerr County, was hit by devastating flash flooding on Friday. The Guadalupe River, which sits next to the campsite, reached 26 feet in just 45 minutes, per AP, and washed away homes in the area as well. Ten girls and a counselor are still missing. The flooding comes just weeks after torrential rain hit San Antonio. Kerr County is located approximately 65 miles northwest of the city. What To Know Texas actor Matthew McConaugheylamented the "pain" and "chaos" caused by the flooding and called for those who can to "lend a helping hand." Khloé Kardashian said she couldn't "stop thinking about the families in Texas and the overwhelming pain they're going through." The National Weather Service issued warnings on Thursday and Friday ahead of the catastrophic floods. Avery Tomasco, Emmy-winning meteorologist at CBS Austin, posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: "FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY now for western Kerr county 'This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! Life threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.' #txwx" He added: "The Guadalupe River is rising rapidly west of Kerrville. Major flooding now expected near Hunt, TX. Moderate to major flooding of the Guadalupe likely in Kerrville." That same day, Tomasco said he "reached out to Camp Mystic" but "their phone lines are either down or busy. No word yet on their status." Meteorologist Cary Burgess told Newsweek the Camp Mystic disaster was eerily similar to a 1987 Guadalupe River flood that killed 10 Christian campers. A search and recovery worker shines his flashlight through through waters near Camp Mystic on July 6, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. (L) Matthew McConaughey attends the premiere of "Sing 2" on December 12, 2021 in... A search and recovery worker shines his flashlight through through waters near Camp Mystic on July 6, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. (L) Matthew McConaughey attends the premiere of "Sing 2" on December 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (R) Jennifer Garner attends the premiere of Netflix's "Family Switch" at AMC The Grove 14 on November 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. More;;What People Are Saying President Donald Trump spoke out about the flooding, writing via Truth Social on Sunday: "I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!" Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised the National Guard on X: "The Texas National Guard has done an amazing job rescuing people in peril. They truly are Texans helping Texans. @TexasGuard" Singer Shakira said on X: "Dear San Antonio, Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the flood in Central Texas. We are donating a portion of tonight's show proceeds to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, who are providing disaster relief to the families impacted." Dear San Antonio, Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the flood in Central Texas. We are donating a portion of tonight's show proceeds to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, who are providing disaster relief to the families impacted. If you would like to join me in... — Shakira (@shakira) July 5, 2025 Khloé Kardashian posted via her Instagram Stories: "I can't stop thinking about the families in Texas and the overwhelming pain they're going through right now. As a mother, this kind of tragedy hits in a place words can't reach. The loss of those sweet, innocent children is something I can't fully process, there are just no words for this. My heart is so deeply aching for every parent, every family member, and every community. Please know that so many of us are carrying you in our hearts right now and I'm praying with everything I have in me for those still missing. Texas, we are holding you close." Her mother, Kris Jenner, wrote on her Instagram Stories: "My heart is absolutely shattered by the devastating floods in Texas and the unimaginable loss of those precious children. It's a tragedy that's impossible to comprehend and heartbreaking beyond measure. No family should ever have to experience such sorrow. Life is so fragile, and at times unbearably unfair. To the families living this nightmare, we are holding you in our hearts, praying for strength, and grieving alongside you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and praying with all my heart that those still missing are found safe." Matthew McConaughey said on Instagram: "At least 70 lives have been lost, many more unaccounted for, and countless Texans are hurting—inside and out. If you're able, please lend a helping hand where and how you can. It's gonna be a long road ahead, but right now the shock, the pain, and the chaos need the steady hand of a neighbor. Texans are some of the most resilient and generous people on the planet." Singer Maren Morris posted to Instagram: "thinking of my home state right now. the floods are devastating and people are still missing. there are several places to donate but i'll be donating to an incredibly impactful fund called the Texas Hill Country Community Foundation. they've set up a specific fund to support local efforts (nonprofits, local government, first responders and local shelters). link in my stories + bio." Country singer Miranda Lambert shared a video to Instagram and captioned it: "Texas needs our help. As always @muttnation Foundation is jumping in to support, and if you'd like to join us please support our fundraiser." Actress Jamie Lee Curtis reshared a post to her Instagram Stories by radio host Anne Hudson of a group of girls at Camp Mystic: "This entire cabin of sweet girls and their two counselors washed away... Several bodies have been recovered, several are still missing. Praying hard that they find survivors and praying extra hard for the families who are living a parent's worst nightmare." Actress Jennifer Garner wrote on her Instagram Stories: "Texas. God, be near." John Rich, one half of the country music duo Big & Rich, stated on X: "Thinking of our neighbors in Texas. In 1987, this exact same thing happened. What a horrific situation." Former first lady of California Maria Shriver took to her Instagram, writing: "Today my prayers are with the families in Texas impacted by the flooding on the Guadalupe River in Central Texas. Right now they need us all to hold them in a circle of love. Let's unite to hold them, pray for them, and pray for the safe return of the more than 2 dozen girls from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, northeast of San Antonio, who were still unaccounted for by late Saturday morning. As a parent myself, my heart is with absolutely everyone who is feeling this loss. #abovethenoise" What Happens Next Search and rescue operations entered a fourth day on Monday as authorities continue to look for those who are still unaccounted for in the floods.
Daily Record
07-06-2025
- Daily Record
Tragic tot 'was already dead' when mum got call from nursery
Little Genevieve Meehan died in hospital after being rushed from Tiny Toes Children's Day nursery. No parent should ever have to lose their child at a place they thought they would be safe. For Genevieve Meehan's parents, that was their reality. Dropping the tot off at Tiny Toes Children's Day nursery in Cheadle Hulme in 2022, they left their nine-month-old little girl in the care of her nursery worker - and deputy manager - Kate Roughley, reports Manchester Evening News. However just hours later, they received a frantic call from the nursery to say Genevieve had fallen ill and was being taken to hospital, but tragically she died that afternoon. It would later be revealed that their beloved baby had been swaddled, strapped face down onto a beanbag, covered with a blanket and then left there alone for an hour and a half. Now, a year on from the trial of Kate Roughley who was jailed for the unlawful killing of Genevieve, in an interview, her parents Katie Wheeler and John Meehan have spoken about their beautiful little girl, the moment their worst nightmare came true and their campaign calling for urgent change. Genevieve Meehan, dubbed Gigi by her family, was born prematurely on July 18 2021. Weighing just 3lb and 12oz, her parents say she was small but perfectly formed. She stayed in Stepping Hill Hospital for a number of weeks, and quickly put on weight due to her love of food before she came home. 'She is the most delightful, beautiful little soul. She's happy, and I know it doesn't sound real, but she's happy all of the time. She came into the world at a very tiny three pound twelve, and she now grew into this wonderful, fantastically beautiful little person,' said Katie. 'She had a wonderful relationship with me and her dad, but her favorite person in the whole world is her big sister. She absolutely loves everything her big sister does. She likes to copy everything she does. 'She likes to dance with her sister. She likes watching her get ready for school in the morning. She loves to play with her toys and she also really loves our dog Beau.' 'She loves playing with her green tambourine, that's her absolute favorite. She loves food, her favorite meal is spaghetti bolognese. She had only really just got the opportunity to try lots of different foods, so she relished the opportunity.' 'She had such an infectious, beautiful and very raucous laugh and pretty much anything could make her laugh. She just experienced everything in the world with real joy and I know that lots of parents will say that, but honestly she really was the happiest little person.' Genevieve loved spending time with her family, music - especially from the soundtrack of Sing 2 - and was joined at the hip with her mum. 'She just was such a wonderful part of the family and she brought such joy to us all. She loved being cuddled, she just wanted to be with you all the time.' When the family first brought Genevieve home, as she was so small, they were worried about safe sleep, and adopted a shift pattern during the night so they could watch her sleep Katie continued: 'We'd do maybe four hours each and then the other person would go and have a bit of a sleep. So for the first couple of months it was difficult. But not for her because she was happy, she got to go to sleep and she's very excitable. But for us it was because we had to watch her. 'Eventually, when she was big enough to go into a sleep sack, it was such a huge relief. She was a very, very easy-going baby. She didn't want a dummy. We tried her with a dummy quite early on, but she was not interested. So she liked our cuddles to soothe instead.' The weekend before her death in May 2022, she made a number of developmental leaps, including the first time she said 'dada'. She was also starting to pull herself up to stand and would stand on her parents feet so they would walk with her across the room. That Easter, whilst having a roast dinner, she had also manageed to master the art of waving. 'She'd never done it before and she was so excited and so pleased with herself because we were naturally very emotional about it. It seemed hugely amazing to us and from then on she always waved at everybody,' said Katie. 'Because even though she'd been born prematurely, there was no issue with her milestones, she smiled very early on, she did all of her activities and her progress was fantastic. 'Particularly that weekend, she just had such a wonderful weekend.' Tiny Toes Children's Day nursery, formerly located on Mellor Road in Cheadle Hulme, boasted of having first-aid trained staff, experienced managers and a full-time professionally-trained chef. After positive testimonials from friends, the latest Ofsted inspection results and a visit to the nursery, her parents were happy to get Genevieve enrolled. 'It was a very well-known nursery in the local area - very well established. It had been there for a long time,' Katie said. John added: 'It appeared to us that you had very experienced, capable staff. Which is really important. It seemed that the staff were first aid trained to a high standard and then when we went to Tiny Toes, when we were making the decision to enrol, Katie had conversations around safety and was reassured about safety within the nursery. 'So it was all of those reasons really that made it seem like a good choice for us.' The nursery was only a stop-gap for Genevieve, as a place wasn't available at the time at another nursery the family had chosen. 'It seemed like it would be a very safe place. I had a number of conversations, one during the settling-in session with two members of staff and then one before we enrolled Genevieve,' said Katie. 'I'm a very anxious person when it comes to the girls and particularly with Genevieve and I think that is because she had been born prematurely so it was very important. That was really the main issue for me. I just wanted to make sure that she'd be safe. 'Once I'd had those assurances, I felt it was going to be alright.' 'When I got that call from the nursery, Genevieve was already dead' Genevieve had been to the nursery on just eight occasions before she sadly died on May 9, 2022. Katie received a call from a local number, she said: 'I thought maybe she wasn't well and needed to be picked up. They said they had gone to wake Genevieve up from her sleep and she was limp and blue.' 'And I said to her, 'is she OK', they said they called an ambulance and it's on its way.' Katie had immediately phoned John who was picking up their daughter from school, and told him to come to Stepping Hill Hospital. 'I could hear paramedics [on the call] asking questions about Genevieve and I kept asking if she was breathing, she wouldn't answer. I had no idea of the real danger she was in. I just wanted to get to her, she seemed she was so far away,' she continued. 'When I got there I remember taking my shoes off and running to resus, we got there and it was absolutely life shattering. I didn't know she had died by that point. 'When I was on the phone to the nursery she was already dead. They then asked us to go into the side room. They said they had been trying for 40 mins and there was nothing more they could do. 'It seemed so impossible, I felt so desperate. I was thinking 'I saw you this morning and you were absolutely fine'. 'She was the most precious little person, her little hair was all perfect, and she had only recently got her two bottom teeth. I think back to everything that happened for her to come into the world and then you're in that moment when your world has ended. I'll never understand it. 'Going home and leaving her, going home to her bedroom, the fear of having to tell her sister who was only 6 at the time. I just thought I couldn't survive without her. The absence of Genevieve is so huge, it altered our lives. What happened to her changed our life forever.' Fast forward to May 2024 and Kate Roughley had pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and went on trial at Manchester Crown Court. The family were unaware of the true extent of what had happened to Genevieve until the day the prosecution outlined its case. With tears in her eyes, Katie said: 'The trial was absolutely horrific. It was an horrendous experience. We didn't really know what to expect. "We knew it was going to be very, very difficult. And we both work in the legal system. But it was unlike anything that I've ever experienced before or come across. 'And one of the really difficult things that you find is that Genevieve is spoken about as if she's an object, she's completely dehumanized in the process and that, as her mum, that is something that is really traumatizing to listen to and you feel completely voiceless during that experience. 'And in a way it feels as though, one it felt as though she died all over again, but also that she's been taken away from you and that your child is no longer your child.' Both Katie and John praised the support they received from Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service. 'They fought so hard for Genevieve,' said Katie. As both John and Katie were being treated as witnesses, they weren't told about what had happened to their daughter. But, following legal arguments their statements were agreed to be read to the jury, meaning they would not have to give evidence. So it was, on April 16, they were handed a copy of the prosecution opening statement as they walked into the court room. 'We had no idea. We had no idea that she had struggled for so long previously, and I totally understand why this was said to us, but we were told that she'd just fallen asleep and she wouldn't have known,' Katie said. 'It really was like she was dying in front of me again. It was utterly horrific and I relive the moments that she died every day." John added: 'The first day was a really surreal experience. We hadn't read any of that before and then we're walking up the steps towards court and we're reading the prosecution's opening which contains what was said to Genevieve, what was done to her, the offensive songs that were made up about her, the names she was called, the items that were thrown at her during the day, the way she was put to sleep. 'We didn't know any of this. And we literally found this out as we were walking up the steps to the courtroom in the morning to then hear the opening statements, so it's such an awful experience." Speaking about Roughley, the couple said her evidence felt 'incredibly insulting'. 'Insult's not the right word because it's not strong enough. But it's a terrible thing to have to hear when you know somebody is lying and trying to make up a story about the moments that Genevieve was struggling and fighting for her life. It's so surreal," Katie said. 'It's part of that dehumanizing her and making out that she was very difficult, because she really wasn't difficult. She experienced such love at home and happiness, she's never heard a cross word. 'So to think of the things that she heard there by various people, the language directed at children is utterly astonishing. 'I'd said to John, 'What if people aren't nice to her?' Because I think every parent thinks that. But he said to me, 'Of course they're going to be nice to her'. Because yes, she might be a bit unhappy being away from home, but people aren't going to be cruel. Obviously they're not going to be cruel. 'And so to hear all of those things, which confirms all of your worst thoughts and worries, was really, really difficult. And it's something that plays on your mind every day. And to hear that other children experienced the same treatment, it's by sheer luck that no other children died.' She added that Roughley had 'no remorse whatsoever' and her evidence was 'completely robotic'. 'Throughout the entirety of the proceedings there was no willingness to accept any responsibility whatsoever for anything that she had done,' said John. . 'Ultimately Genevieve has lost a life and there should be a process of answering all of the questions as to why she lost her life, that's certainly what she deserves because everything that she could have experienced was taken away from her." Campaign for Gigi Earlier this year, the parents launched a campaign aimed at improving safety in nurseries and early year settings. It is focused around three main issues; CCTV within nursery settings, unannounced Ofsted inspections and mandatory safe sleep training. 'None of that of course brings Genevieve back, but we look at this and we think other parents should not have to endure the suffering that we have had to endure,' John said. CCTV is currently an optional choice for nurseries, the family believe it should be mandatory. 'I mean the CCTV evidence was so crucial in Genevieve's case. We have absolutely no doubt that without that we simply would not have known what happened to her. And we would have been in a position where there would have been no answers, no accountability,' he continued. 'Nurseries will be able to use that to identify practices that are potentially harmful, to make sure those practices aren't continuing. If there is an incident, review that CCTV, make sure they can change policies, procedures, so that it doesn't happen to another child within their settings.' The current Ofsted inspection process is currently once every six years, in terms of inspections in early years settings. 'What that effectively means is you can put your child into a nursery setting at an early age and then that nursery might not be inspected for the entirety of the period that they're there until they actually become school age and go to school. I mean that's just bizarre,' said John. 'Just as we did, parents place great stock on the Ofsted reports because that's the only real insight they have to identify what is occurring with safeguarding, caring and nurturing in that nursery setting. An announced inspection giving a nursery time to prepare for an inspection.' He added that Ofsted don't often review CCTV footage as 'not all nurseries have them', and said this is what they were urging for with the campaign. They are also calling on safe sleep to be given more prominence. 'What we should have is proper statutory and mandatory statements as to what safe sleep looks like,' John said. Katie added: 'In a setting, a nursery setting or any early years setting, there should be no ambiguity. A child being slept in a cot on a flat surface with a blanket tucked under so it can't go over their head. I mean, it's the easiest thing to follow.' The Lullaby Trust, who provide expert advice on safe sleeping, are supporting the family in their campaign. 'We want to honour Genevieve. We're always going to be her mum and dad and we have so much love to give to her. It would be a disservice to Genevieve if we didn't, because then she died and she died for nothing,' Katie said. 'You've got to go out and work, lots of people have to work, and lots of people enjoy going to work. Women should have the opportunity to go to work, but you can't do those things if you are frightened that your child is going to harm at nursery. 'It's something that you wouldn't even contemplate and you shouldn't have to.' Katie and John are set to meet with Education Minister for Early Years Settings, Stephen Morgan MP in a few weeks, and are hoping to explore what changes can be made. 'We are hoping he will be responsive to that, and responsive to the concerns parents have expressed. There is a shared desire amongst all parents and amongst all right-thinking people to make sure that children will be safe in nursery settings. 'What we're asking for and inviting the Minister to consider are very straightforward changes which can be brought in, we think, quite easily.' Tom Morrison MP, based in the Cheadle ward, will be joining them in the meeting, alongside Jenny Ward, Chief Executive of the Lullaby Trust. The MP confirmed he was contacted by Katie when he was first elected and immediately got in touch. He has since filed an Early Day Motion in Parliament, which has already received 30 signatures. 'I submitted this motion to Parliament outlining the basis of the campaign. Safer sleeping standards, the no notice inspections for Ofsted and bringing in CCTV and actually using the CCTV properly in the nurseries,' he said. 'The one thing I could say to anyone is make sure you write to your MP and tell them about this campaign because the more voices we get in Parliament talking about the more likely it is we can get that change. 'I think the key thing is now we don't just want a meeting in a handshake and a 'we'll try our best'. I'm positive in the fact that the initial conversations we've had but the fact is we need change in the law, we need to make sure our nurseries are safer and Ofsted is working to the best of its ability so no tragedy like this ever happens again and the only way we can do that is putting the legislation in place and that's what the government have got to do.'
Miami Herald
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Regal to offer $1 family movie tickets this summer. Here's what to know
Regal Cinemas is offering $1 tickets on family-friendly movies all summer long. Starting Tuesday, June 10, moviegoers can snag discounted tickets on select family films every Tuesday and Wednesday as part of its Summer Movie Express, the theater chain said. More than 400 participating theaters will screen two PG-rated movies each week until Aug. 6, offering $1 tickets for the first show of the day, according to a news release. 'Once again, we are excited to bring back this highly anticipated summer program of crowd-pleasing entertainment for groups of all sizes at an incredibly affordable price,' Brooks LeBoeuf, senior vice president of U.S. Content for Regal, said in the release. Family movies playing this summer include 'Sing 2,' 'IF,' 'PAW Patrol, The Movie,' and more. Customers can also grab discounted concessions, including a $5 snack pack that comes with a small drink, snack-sized popcorn and fruit snacks, according to the movie theater's website. The summer months are usually the busiest for most theaters, and 'foot traffic is everything,' The Hollywood Reporter reported in May 2024. Citing industry experts and data, the outlet reported that the profit margin on single tickets is around 33% and jumps to '56 percent on a concession.' Rival AMC Theaters is also looking to woo moviegoers with half-priced tickets for Stubs Rewards members every Wednesday this summer, McClatchy News reported. The discount launches July 9 and will be available in addition to the Tuesday ticket discount currently offered to the chain's rewards members. Find your nearest Regal theater here.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Sex in back row, filthy pick ‘n' mix and rats… cinema worker's confessions about the grubby goings-on at the pictures
One worker reveals why night-vision cameras come in handy at the cinema DIRTY MOVIE Sex in back row, filthy pick 'n' mix and rats… cinema worker's confessions about the grubby goings-on at the pictures WATCHING as the hordes file out of the cinema I gird my loins for what I might find during the clean-up – knowing it won't be pretty. Some of the sights are more X-rated and horror-filled than many of the films. 5 Couples used to come in for sex all the time and we'd find a used condom every couple of weeks, reveals our secret cinema worker Credit: Getty 5 Thankfully, romps are less often now since they added night vision to the cameras Credit: Getty In my five years working in a cinema I have cleared up everything from used condoms to a poo, which was by far the most revolting discovery. It was two years ago but still haunts me. I remember catching sight of it from the corner of my eye — it wasn't quite under the seat and they had half- covered it with an empty sweet packet, but the stench was unmistakeable. It had been a mid-afternoon midweek performance, so the screen wasn't crowded, but I still have no idea how or indeed why they did it. I immediately called in my co-workers and we argued about who should remove it. In the end I volunteered, on condition that I got paid time and a half and was allowed to go straight home. Thankfully that was a one-off. Next up has to be the rats. They make regular appearances and we have to get pest control in every month or so. 'Rats dart under the velvet seats' I once took the rubbish to the main big wheelie bin and was busy compressing it when I saw one so huge I thought it was a cat. It was terrifying. Other times I have seen them scuttling around screening rooms. It's horrifying to see them dart under the velvet seats. It's probably because we don't actually clean quite as thoroughly as we should. A lot of food is spilt by the audience and when there's a huge new release we only have ten minutes or so to clean a room where 400 people have been sitting, munching their popcorn and sweets, before the next lot come in. Baby girl born in cinema foyer during screening of Sing 2 given free membership for life If I'm in a rush, I just sweep it under the seat to be dealt with later, then forget where I did this. But, if I'm being honest, we're slapdash anyway. I started working in a cinema because I love films and get to watch them for free, not because I like cleaning up after people, so I don't scrupulously disinfect every cup holder. Thankfully used condoms are a rarer find than they used to be since we put in night-vision CCTV a couple of years ago and play it out into the foyer. Punters can see what goes on and it acts a deterrent as they wouldn't want to be projected to the masses. Before that, couples used to come in for sex all the time and we'd find a used condom every couple of weeks, just lying on the floor or under the seats. The first couple of times I was horrified, but I got used to it. We had one couple who visited weekly on a Tuesday morning and would get it on, full sex, in the back row. They didn't realise we knew what they were up to, as we once took someone in who was late for a screening and we saw what was happening. We checked on another Tuesday, and sure enough, they were going at it. Every week, they'd come out smiling and they were always snogging. If we were feeling mischievous, one of us would change out of uniform and go and sit beside them just to stop them in their tracks. 'We had sex in the popcorn cupboard' In fairness, they never left a used condom so we only spoilt their fun occasionally. I'll never forget the disappointment on their faces when they saw the CCTV playing in the foyer. 5 I've watched kids scurry over to the pick 'n' mix and pick up handfuls, only for parents to go and grab them out of their hands and put them back in the tub Credit: Alamy 5 Rats make regular appearances in the cinema and pest control is called in every month or so Credit: Alamy It wasn't them on the screen but they realised they couldn't do it any more. But some people still manage to as we find those used condoms under the seats and fight over who is going to clean it up. The couples must lie on the floor to evade the cameras. I have to confess that the cinema workers can be just as risque in staff previews of shows. I was dating a fellow employee and we'd discreetly sit in the back row to have our fun — we went all the way at least three times. It was before the CCTV cameras and in empty screens, so we never got caught. I also had sex with the same partner in the cupboard where we stored the food — including the popcorn. And I have to admit it's just one of the reasons I'd never eat the food in the cinema. The nacho cheese is often left out for hours at a time and the popcorn is reheated. But worst of all are the pick 'n' mix sweets. I've watched kids scurry over to them and pick up handfuls, only for parents — understandably worried about the horrific cost — go and grab them out of their hands and put them back in the tub. And the big tubs are never emptied, we just keep pouring new sweets on top of the old ones, though the scoops get a cursory wash every day. Talking of children, I was very glad when they stopped doing the kids' club. I was in charge of it for a year, greeting all the children and helping them find their seats. Their parents would often say they were popping to the loo but clearly saw me as a babysitter. They'd disappear for about half an hour leaving me with their child. 'I don't go looking for trouble' I'm only 23 and don't have children but did get nits constantly thanks to these movie goers. Young children aren't the biggest nuisance, it's the ones allowed in on their own, aged around 12. They think it's hilarious to have popcorn fights and I've had to chuck these children out several times. Generally speaking it's not a rowdy crowd and, bar the odd drunk at a late-night screening, we don't get too much aggro. I don't go looking for trouble and I rarely pull a customer up on something. 5 Parents would often say they were popping to the loo but clearly saw me as a babysitter when I was doing the kids' club Credit: Getty But I did have to stop a family who thought it was OK to bring in a full Indian takeaway — strong-smelling food might ruin the experience for other customers. One of the reasons we never turn the lights up full before the audience leaves is because we don't want them to see how stained the seats are. Suspicious matter would definitely be found on the fabric of a lot of our seats if anyone looked closely. I'm not too vigilant about checking ID for age-rated films. If they look near enough to 15 or 18 I'll let it go, unless they've been overly cocky, in which case I will demand to see it. My manager is pretty good at turning a blind eye too. If I'm meeting friends after a late shift I'll bring in a small bottle of vodka and pre-drink using the cinema slushies as my mixer, so I'm not too far behind my friends in drunkenness when I meet them. The manager knows and is yet to sack me thankfully as, despite the rats and the nits, I love working here.
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Sex in back row, filthy pick ‘n' mix and rats… cinema worker's confessions about the grubby goings-on at the pictures
WATCHING as the hordes file out of the cinema I gird my loins for what I might find during the clean-up – knowing it won't be pretty. Some of the sights are more 5 Couples used to come in for sex all the time and we'd find a used condom every couple of weeks, reveals our secret cinema worker Credit: Getty 5 Thankfully, romps are less often now since they added night vision to the cameras Credit: Getty In my five years working in a cinema I have cleared up everything from used condoms to a poo, which was by far the most revolting discovery. It was two years ago but still haunts me. I remember catching sight of it from the corner of my eye — it wasn't quite under the seat and they had half- covered it with an empty sweet packet, but the stench was unmistakeable. It had been a mid-afternoon midweek performance, so the screen wasn't crowded, but I still have no idea how or indeed why they did it. I immediately called in my co-workers and we argued about who should remove it. In the end I volunteered, on condition that I got paid time and a half and was allowed to go straight home. Thankfully that was a one-off. Next up has to be the rats. They make regular appearances and we have to get pest control in every month or so. 'Rats dart under the velvet seats' I once took the rubbish to the main big wheelie bin and was busy compressing it when I saw one so huge I thought it was a cat. It was terrifying. Most read in Fabulous Other times I have seen them scuttling around screening rooms. It's horrifying to see them dart under the velvet seats. It's probably because we don't actually clean quite as thoroughly as we should. A lot of food is spilt by the audience and when there's a huge new release we only have ten minutes or so to clean a room where 400 people have been sitting, munching their popcorn and sweets, before the next lot come in. Baby girl born in cinema foyer during screening of Sing 2 given free membership for life If I'm in a rush, I just sweep it under the seat to be dealt with later, then forget where I did this. But, if I'm being honest, we're slapdash anyway. I started working in a cinema because I love films and get to watch them for free, not because I like cleaning up after people, so I don't scrupulously disinfect every cup holder. Thankfully used condoms are a rarer find than they used to be since we put in night-vision CCTV a couple of years ago and play it out into the foyer. Punters can see what goes on and it acts a deterrent as they wouldn't want to be projected to the masses. Before that, The first couple of times I was horrified, but I got used to it. We had one couple who visited weekly on a Tuesday morning and would get it on, full sex, in the back row. They didn't realise we knew what they were up to, as we once took someone in who was late for a screening and we saw what was happening. We checked on another Tuesday, and sure enough, they were going at it. Every week, they'd come out smiling and they were always snogging. If we were feeling mischievous, one of us would change out of uniform and go and sit beside them just to stop them in their tracks. 'We had sex in the popcorn cupboard' In fairness, they never left a used condom so we only spoilt their fun occasionally. I'll never forget the disappointment on their faces when they saw the CCTV playing in the foyer. 5 I've watched kids scurry over to the pick 'n' mix and pick up handfuls, only for parents to go and grab them out of their hands and put them back in the tub Credit: Alamy 5 Rats make regular appearances in the cinema and pest control is called in every month or so Credit: Alamy It wasn't them on the screen but they realised they couldn't do it any more. But some people still manage to as we find those used condoms under the seats and fight over who is going to clean it up. The couples must lie on the floor to evade the cameras. I have to confess that the cinema workers can be just as risque in staff previews of shows. I was dating a fellow employee and we'd discreetly sit in the back row to have our fun — we went all the way at least three times. It was before the CCTV cameras and in empty screens, so we never got caught. I also had sex with the same partner in the cupboard where we stored the food — including the popcorn. And I have to admit it's just one of the reasons I'd never eat the food in the cinema. The But worst of all are the pick 'n' mix sweets. I've watched kids scurry over to them and pick up handfuls, only for parents — understandably worried about the horrific cost — go and grab them out of their hands and put them back in the tub. And the big tubs are never emptied, we just keep pouring new sweets on top of the old ones, though the scoops get a cursory wash every day. Talking of children, I was very glad when they stopped doing the kids' club. I was in charge of it for a year, greeting all the children and helping them find their seats. Their parents would often say they were popping to the loo but clearly saw me as a babysitter. They'd disappear for about half an hour leaving me with their child. 'I don't go looking for trouble' I'm only 23 and don't have children but did get nits constantly thanks to these movie goers. Young children aren't the biggest nuisance, it's the ones allowed in on their own, aged around 12. They think it's hilarious to have popcorn fights and I've had to chuck these children out several times. Generally speaking it's not a rowdy crowd and, bar the odd drunk at a late-night screening, we don't get too much aggro. I don't go looking for trouble and I rarely pull a customer up on something. 5 Parents would often say they were popping to the loo but clearly saw me as a babysitter when I was doing the kids' club Credit: Getty But I did have to stop a family who thought it was OK to bring in a full Indian takeaway — strong-smelling food might ruin the experience for other customers. One of the reasons we never turn the lights up full before the audience leaves is because we don't want them to see how stained the seats are. Suspicious matter would definitely be found on the fabric of a lot of our seats if anyone looked closely. I'm not too vigilant about checking ID for age-rated films. If they look near enough to 15 or 18 I'll let it go, unless they've been overly cocky, in which case I will demand to see it. My manager is pretty good at turning a blind eye too. Read more on the Irish Sun If I'm meeting friends after a late shift I'll bring in a small bottle of vodka and pre-drink using the cinema slushies as my mixer, so I'm not too far behind my friends in drunkenness when I meet them. The manager knows and is yet to sack me thankfully as, despite the rats and the nits, I love working here.
