Falling ceiling interrupts Regent film

THUMP: A decorative ceiling fell on stairs in a theatre at Regent Cinemas, prompting a fire service call-out.

A falling ceiling panel nearly two metres in size interrupted a holiday screening at Regent Cinemas in Masterton yesterday afternoon, prompting a call-out by emergency services.

Nobody was injured when the softwood decorative panel landed on the stairs in a theatre shortly after midday, followed by a shower of insulation and shredded paper.

Regent owner Brent Goodwin said someone came out to tell staff, and they stopped the movie.

He said "four bags of fluff" had to be cleaned up, and the movie was able to continue.

He said someone called emergency services.

"It's not very heavy, it broke in two [on impact]," Mr Goodwin said.

Masterton station duty officer Mike Cornford said they visited the scene with police in attendance, as well as a building inspector.

"The inspector appeared to be comfortable the remaining panels were safe."

Mr Goodwin said the building inspector would be returning today to carry out further checks.