Last surviving gaslit cinema in world to reopen in Leeds

Exclusive: 4.8m refurbishment, which has taken eight years, will include extension to building, restored interior and 50-seat second screen

When Hyde Park Picture House first opened its doors to the public shortly before the first world war, women were at the mercy of groping men, who used the darkness as a cover to carry out attacks.

It was such a problem that the owner of the Leeds cinema installed gas lamps in the auditorium in the hope of deterring would-be assailants.