The Smallest Show on Earth

Young, hopeful husband who inherits the Bijou and dreams of travel. He masterminds the plan to reopen the decrepit cinema to press Hardcastle for a higher bid, proving himself daring but occasionally reckless. Matt embodies entrepreneurial spirit and a stubborn faith in cinema's place in a changing world.

Matt's wife and partner in crime for the Bijou project, she balances romance with pragmatism. She supports the reopening scheme and helps run the business, showing resilience and loyalty. Jean is the steadier counterpoint to Matt's impulsiveness.

The sharp-witted solicitor who explains the deal and counsels the couple. He serves as a reminder that there are legal and financial risks behind every bluff. Robin's guidance is pivotal to the tactical moves that drive the plot.

The cinema's cashier and bookkeeper, a loyal and sharp-witted presence on the floor. She keeps the finances steady and supplies a steady stream of comic observations. Her veteran perspective anchors the staff's daily life at the Bijou.

The ageing projectionist, a boozy but talented figure whose flaws threaten the screenings. He embodies the tension between craftsmanship and personal weakness. Quintessentially, he both sustains and sabotages the cinema's fragile operation.

The loyal commissionaire who doubles as doorman and usher. Quietly observant, he overhears crucial information that could change the fate of the Bijou. His steady presence hints at the quiet dignity of long-tenured cinema staff.

Glamorous ice-cream seller who boosts crowds with a friendly presence and sales savvy. Her energy helps turn the Bijou into a lively, inviting space. She represents the community's everyday actors who support cinema's survival.

The Grand cinema's owner and chief antagonist, who uses market pressure to push Matt and Jean. He embodies the corporate threat to small-town venues in an era of TV domination. His schemes escalate the stakes and speed the Bijou's fate.