Former staff at Sutton's Throwley Yard Cinema have revealed shocking details about the venue's final months, including instructions to pile rubbish in an unfinished men's toilet as basic operations collapsed.
Early Warning Signs Ignored
According to a former employee who spoke anonymously to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, problems began emerging just months after the cinema's grand opening in September 2023. The £1.42 million venue, which received nearly £1 million investment from Sutton Council, was intended to be a cultural hub for the community.
The staff member revealed that 'everyone in the team thought the writing was on the wall within a year' as management struggled to secure films for screening. Despite heavy marketing of children's films, staff frequently had to turn away disappointed families when advertised movies weren't available.
Operational Collapse and Waste Crisis
The situation deteriorated dramatically when a banking error in July left operators Really Local Group unable to access accounts for six weeks. This triggered delayed payments and suspended waste collections, leading to unsanitary conditions.
Staff were directed to use an unfinished men's restroom as a makeshift bin room, creating what the former employee described as an 'awful' situation. Workers reportedly purchased their own fly spray and moved rubbish bags as part of nightly closing duties.
Staff Exodus and Final Closure
Morale plummeted as head office repeatedly delayed salary payments, prompting an exodus of staff. From an original team of twelve employees, only four remained during the cinema's final weeks before its November 9 closure announcement.
The former employee expressed frustration about unpaid final wages: 'I don't want Benson's thoughts, I want my money,' they told LDRS, referencing RLG founder Preston Benson's LinkedIn apology to staff.
Council Response and Future Prospects
Sutton Council acknowledged the closure but emphasised that the investment had brought the vacant site back into use since Chicago's nightclub closed in 2013. A council spokesperson confirmed they're actively seeking a new tenant for the fully refurbished cultural venue.
RLG attributed the closure to broader industry challenges including Hollywood strikes, streaming competition, and the cost-of-living crisis, despite claiming a return to profitability in 2024.
