To all movie buffs and film geeks: get out of your bed covers! Don’t book that ticket at Vue, cause there’s a whole other cinematic experience that deserves your attendance! Serving you an entire summer of opportunities that will be worth your time (and money), here is a list of alternative cinemas for you to try:
The Grand
It’s a Party at the Cinema
The fun includes a photo booth, unlimited £2 popcorn, and fancy dresses! A theatre space is converted into a pop-up cinema experience and will be hosting movies on a giant screen, and I do mean GIANT. The next show playing is a screening of Mulan, so prepare to defeat the Huns in a grand setting. Best part? There’s always an afterparty following that as well. Image: The Grand
Where: 21- 25 St. John's Hill Clapham SW11 1TT
Website: www.claphamgrand.com
Rivoli Pop Up Cinema
A Cinema Experience like it is 1950
Mark your calendars, they might not be movies that you have thought of recently, but it is definitely worth a watch. You’ll be watching movies in a ballroom, and the movies vary in genre: a few horror movies, some classic movies, and even Christmas movies. Here are the movies I suggest: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, When Harry Met Sally, and Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom.
Starting in July, September to December. Images: Rivoli Ballroom
Where: Rivoli Ballroom, 350 Brockley Road, Brockley SE4 2BY
Website: Get Tickets Here
Block Party Cinema
Documentary-Watching on a Beanbag
Partnering with Pop Brixton, The Film Club was launched in April and screening every month in celebration of black and multicultural films. The next movie is Free Angela and All Political Prisoners, said to be a thought-provoking film. It might sound intense, but you’ll be relaxing on a beanbag chair for extra measure.
Friday 22nd July
Where: Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Rd, Brixton SW9 8PQ
Website: www.blockpartycinema.co.uk
IndieFlicks Short Film Screening
To all the Hipsters into Indie films
Fancy a movie when you’re exploring the hipster area of Shoreditch? Well there’s a place for that too! IndieFlicks will be showcasing a selection of indie films that have been submitted, and you get to vote your favourite of the night for The People’s Choice Award. It’ll be like you’re a part of a smaller version of Cannes or Sundance.
Every first Wednesday of the month starting in July. Images: IndieFlicks Short Film Screening
Where: Café 1001, 91 Brick Lane, Shoreditch E1 6QL
Website: www.ifshorts.com
Nomad Cinema
You’ve Heard of a Travelling Circus, But Ever Heard of a Travelling Cinema?
This pop-up gives a pleasant surprise with its wide variety of options, always playing in different venues. I’m most excited about Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and Rebecca (1940), playing at Brompton Cemetery! And they give 100% of profits to charity. It’s your entertainment for a good cause.
Touring June through to October. Images: Nomad Cinema
Website: www.whereisthenomad.com
Prince Charles Cinema
Your Movie Experience in Bed in the Cinematic Space
They screen movie marathons, anime films, and sing-a-longs. They have themes like Creature Features, Brooklyn Nights, and Anniversary premieres, but Disney Selectrospective takes the icing of the cake! Occasionally hosting Disney Pyjama Parties, it’s a marathon lasting the whole night!
Next marathon Saturday 30th June
Where: Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place WC2H 7BY
Website: www.princecharlescinema.com
Electric Cinema
Cashmere Blankets and Footstools
One of the oldest working cinemas in Britain, they have leather armchairs with footstools, cashmere blankets and side tables that’ll have you melt into your seat. They do evening shows and premieres twice a night most of the time. They have six double beds in the front row for couples looking for a unique cinema experience.
Images: Electric Cinema Portobello
Where: Portobello, 191 Portobello Road W11 2ED
Website: www.electriccinema.co.uk
