The historic EMD Cinema in Walthamstow PA

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STARS have joined a campaign to stop "crazy" plans to turn the historic "Hitchcock" cinema in Walthamstow into a church.

Actors Tony Robinson and Meera Syal will be among protesters at a candlelit vigil outside the EMD Cinema at 8pm on Saturday.

The east London cinema was where Alfred Hitchcock was first exposed to the art form. Images of the film-maker will be projected on to the outside of the building and demonstrators will wear Hitchcock masks.

The cinema, which first opened as a dance hall in 1887, closed its doors to the public in 2003 when it was purchased by Brazil-based religious organisation the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG).

The group's initial plans to turn the Grade II-listed building into a church were rejected, but it is expected to submit new proposals to Waltham Forest Council.

The McGuffin Film Society wants the council to offer UCKG ownership of an empty building next to the cinema, allowing the popular EMD to be sold to operators who would reopen it.

Blackadder star Robinson said: "The cinema is an exotic masterpiece. It's where my teenage eyes were opened to the great jazz and rock and roll artists of the 1960s, and where I saw a host of great movies.

"At this exciting time in our history, when east London is about to be revitalised, it would be crazy to turn our backs on such a magnificent venue"

"At this exciting time in our history, when east London is about to be revitalised, it would be crazy to turn our backs on such a magnificent venue. If not for our sakes, then for the sake of the next generation of film and music-lovers, let's ensure it is given the opportunity to reclaim its place as the hub of Walthamstow's high-class entertainment."

Syal said she had spent "many happy hours" watching films at the cinema.

"The Walthamstow cinema has a rare touch of glamour and it would be an absolute tragedy if the film-lovers of east London were to be permanently deprived of this beautiful jewel of a cinema," she said.

Bill Hodgson, leader of the McGuffin Film Society, said: "We have no faith in the council's planning process.

"The council is desperately trying to rush this through. They are not listening to anyone's opinion."

Terry Wheeler, Waltham Forest cabinet member for enterprise and investment, said: "The council expects a planning application to be submitted in the next few months. This will be considered in the normal way and will include a full public consultation."

Nobody from UCKG could be contacted for comment.