Saturday night at the movies
I (James) am awful at going to the cinema. Or the pictures or the movies or whatever you call it in your house.
I use the word ‘awful’ because I am an actor and I feel as though I ought to be better at watching things I have a direct interest in. I should go more often. Particularly in a time when cinemas, like just about everything else on the high street needs our support. In the age of streaming, so much brand new content is consumed via ‘in home’ entertainment. It seems as though only the really big films are reserved for lengthy cinema release, the two latest box office hits, Oppenheimer and Barbie, are good examples of this. Plenty of others make it to the big screen too of course, but more than a few times in recent years I have been to the cinema and was one of just a small handful people inside a typically sized auditorium. And I don’t think it’s because my taste in film is niche, but rather because more people are staying at home for their flicks fix.
Seeing as the summer holidays are now upon us, if you have children you are likely to have a whole lot of days which need to be filled (notwithstanding any days/blocks you may have booked at Nutty’s Summer Holiday Club of course).
Perhaps this is a good time for a cinema trip or two. Let’s think about the benefits…a typical film at the cinema, including adverts and trailers beforehand, is at least two hours, so you really can construct most of a day around it. It needn’t be expensive as there are some reasonably priced options (I’ll come on to this in a mo), you’ll be supporting a part of the high street or a local businesses and the kids will be engaging in an art form with a rich cultural history; it is never too early to introduce them to the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Katherine Hepburn and Fred Astaire!.
So, continuing the theme of summer holiday activities from our recent blogs, let’s look at some of South London’s brilliant, charming and exciting independent cinemas.
Picturehouse - West Norwood, Clapham & East Dulwich
OK, not strictly independent as there are many of them but they do have a very indy feel. There are at least three of these in south London, including in Nutty’s patch, West Norwood. Here, the cinema is combined with a library and a cafe/bar/restaurant. There are plenty of offerings here for children, including Zog which is only 30 minutes long, so great for toddlers. Tickets for kids are just £3.30 and adults can accompany them for free! A great, affordable way to gently introduce them to the magic of cinema.
Ritzy, Brixton
This cinema in Brixton is also run by Picturehouse but is known locally simply as The Ritzy. It opened in 1911 and was one of England’s earliest purpose built cinemas. The impressive Edwardian building boasts five screens, a live events venue and a restaurant-bar. There are various ticket options available: a family ticket (four people including at least two children) can be purchased for as little as £23.60p whilst on a Monday, children can see any film (age appropriate of course) for £6.20. Current children’s films on show here include Elemental and The Mario Bros.
PeckhamPlex, Peckham
This is probably my favourite cinema - not just in south London, but anywhere. Firstly it is mega affordable. There is only one ticket price - £4.99 - any film, any time. Even with the rise of inflation and cost of living, these prices have remained the same for years (bravo, PeckhamPlex!). And do you know what, it works because almost every time I visit this place it is packed! Often it is the bigger chain cinemas that set their ticket prices at roughly the £15 mark. £15! And they wonder why their cinemas are so often empty! I think they should take a leaf out of the PeckhamPlex book.
Whilst there are some options for little ones, this cinema is perhaps less child orientated. So, when the kids are with the grandparents for a few days over the summer, here’s a cheap and cheerful night out.
I also love the atmosphere here: it doesn’t have the ornate features of a Curzon or the niche film choices of a Picturehouse but it is rough, ready and exciting - Peckham style! What else would one expect from a cinema in a back street of Rye Lane. I love it!
Catford Mews
This is relatively new to the indy cinema scene having opened in 2019. There is a great vibe at Catford Mews. It boasts a three-screen cinema, a bar, a spacious foyer, a café run by Compound Coffee, as well as a food court where you can find a number of independent local food vendors. There is also a space for community events, live music and more - loads going on!
Every Saturday morning, Catford Mews presents Fun Sized Kids Club which involves a classic kids film as well as fun activities and great snack deals. Suitable for children under the age of 12, tickets are just £3!
Writing this has got me hungry for going to the cinema!
It used to be a staple part of my weekend when I was a teenager - these days I go far more infrequently. Partly a sign of the times, partly my own fault for not taking more interest and factoring in the time. I need to put this right! In fact my housemate, Joe, has a supporting role in the film Chevalier. Based on the true story of composer Joesph Bologne, it is currently on general release around the UK. It’s playing at Catford Mews this weekend and I am going to go and see it! After all, cinemas are just like anything else - use them or lose them. I reckon we should use them!
