FILM fans have been keeping out of the cold at the borough’s cinemas, enjoying hits including Les Misérables and Quartet.

Les Misérables was ranked as the top performing film at Cineworld, The Valley, Bolton, for a fortnight following its release on January 11.

And Quartet, a British comedy-drama film based on the play of the same name by Ronald Harwood, is the most popular film among older cinema-goers since the 2010 release of The King’s Speech, according to bosses at Vue.

Karen Hoskinson, general manager at Cineworld Bolton, said: “Les Misérables has been a huge success with Bolton musical and film fans and a number of screenings were sold out ahead of the release on January 11.

“Les Misérables ranked as the top performing film at Cineworld Bolton during its opening two weeks and, having been nominated for nine BAFTAs and eight Oscars including best film/best picture, it’s clear to see why it’s a favourite with film fans.

“Quartet has also received a hugely positive reception since its release on January 4 as Dame Maggie Smith and Tom Courtenay hit the big screen in Dustin Hoffman’s charming tale.”

Les Misérables has been a massive critical and commercial success, with an Oscar nomination for best picture, while Anne Hathaway, who plays Fantine, is nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress and her co-star Hugh Jackman is nominated for the best actor award.

Quartet, starring Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins and Billy Connolly, tells the story of retired opera singers who put on an annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday, however the arrival of Maggie’s character Jean disrupts the plans.

A spokesman for Vue cinemas said: “Les Misérables has performed really well throughout the UK with sell out screenings over the opening weekend across many sites, including Bolton and Bury.

“The Oscar and BAFTA award nominations for Les Misérables have helped to generate a lot of excitement around the film.

“We expect further increase in attendance over the coming weeks as film-goers look to see it before the award ceremonies in February.

“Quartet has also performed well in Bolton and Bury since its release, with the biggest senior audience mix since the King’s Speech.”