Jane McGowan catches up with Luna Cinema supremo George Wood
Back in 2008 actor George Wood was involved in a nasty accident as he travelled to his job in the West End of London. You could however, say it was something of a lucky break. While confined to bed with a badly fractured leg, George had an idea – open air cinema.
Historic houses had long been the venue of outdoor theatre, but no-one had thought of showing movies in such picturesque settings. He called the powers that be at Dulwich Park (near to where he lived); they said “great” and – just like that – the Luna Cinema was born.
This year, the company will stage 175 screenings in more than 60 venues across the country. It is also launching a kids’ film offer and Luna Beach catering for holidaymakers on Brighton seafront.
“Basically, once Dulwich had said ‘yes’, I spent my life savings on a screen and a projector and that was that. The second year Hampton Court came on board and then Warwick Castle. It became my job very quickly and I absolutely love it.”
This year visitors to Luna Cinema screenings at Chiswick House and Hampton Court can expect to enjoy a great mix of recent films and classics, including The Greatest Showman, Casablanca, Harry Potter, and Pretty Woman. George admits that choosing the films is one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.
“We often stick with something quite mainstream,” he explains. “Mamma Mia, Top Gun… things that aren’t going to offend or disturb people. This year we have a great selection – The Shape of Water, Darkest Hour and the breakout feel-good hit The Greatest Showman. Every venue wanted that one this year. We have to be careful in areas such as Richmond where we have showings at Fulham Palace, Wimbledon Park and Hampton Court that we have a mix and not just roll out the same programme.”
And while George and his team do everything they can to please venues and audiences, there is one thing they can have no bearing on: the weather.
“Yes, I must admit when I originally pitched the idea to some of my Australian friends they thought I was mad,” laughs George. “But in 10 years, I am pleased to say that we have never had to cancel a performance. Last year it rained for five weeks solidly, so I feel like we deserve a good summer.
“British audiences are a tough bunch. They know as well as we do what an English summer is like. But there is always a bit of Dunkirk spirit about it and people arrive in all weathers with a ‘we’re here and we are going to make the most of it’ attitude. The fact that there’s a bar helps and we provide free rain ponchos.”
And for the first time, younger visitors will also get to experience the magic.
“We have been trying for a while to do something for children, but as we have to wait for sunset to show the films, which can be around 9pm in July, it’s too late for kids. But now the technology is in place to enable us to show films during the day and Hampton Court is one of the first places we are trying that out.
“When I look back, I can’t believe all this has come out of me lying flat on my back in hospital for weeks. It certainly was a lucky break.”
For details visit: thelunacinema.com
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