Exploring the best of the county and surrounding area's independent and art house cinemas.
There's a quiet revolution happening up and down the country – people are demanding more from their cinemas. People have had enough of sticky floors, inflated prices and surly staff. In the last few years the demand for a different type of movie going experience has arisen, and with it thousands of new boutique cinemas, as well as the revival of a few old favourites. Surrey is a big part of this revolution, with some incredible alternatives to the multiplex all over the county and in nearby South West London. But which is best? Here's our guide whatever your taste...
Art House Uprising
While they can't really be called 'independent' cinemas due to being part of a chain, cinemas with an independent aesthetic have been popping up all over the country, and Surrey is no exception. A stark contrast to the blinking lights and endless pick-and-mix of the multiplex, these cinemas put the customer experience at the forefront of everything they do – bars, comfortable seats or in some cases sofas, and community events are par for the course (although expect to pay more for this extra luxury).
One of the newest kids on the block is Everyman Cinemas. The chain which started with just one cinema in Hampstead in 2000 is now the fastest growing brand in the country, and last July the company transformed The Screen Cinema in Reigate, now called Everyman Reigate. The renovation has been astounding, with a retro feel and delightful new bar evoking memories of classic Hollywood. The programme is just as unique, screening everything from Truffaut to Transformers! A short trip into South-West London will find one of the earliest branches of the Picturehouse chain. Clapham Picturehouse has earned a strong reputation thanks to its movie-mad staff and relaxed atmosphere, which includes outdoor bar seating in the warmer months.
True Independence!
Of course, there's just something about a venue that is truly independent, run by someone in the area and with events that tailor to the community. They may not have the bells and whistles of the corporate world but are curated by cinema lovers for cinema lovers, and become a real hub for anyone looking for a cinematic feast. Funded in part by The National Lottery, the Godalming Film Society is a members only organisation focusing on the best of independent and world cinema. With new seasons running from September to May, the society takes profits from membership and invests it back into the screenings, ensuring the club can adapt to any technological advances that come along in the cinematic future.
Maybe the classics of past and present French cinema are more your thing? Devoted to the greats of our friends across the Channel, Cine Lumiere in South West London is a treasure trove that makes up part of the French Institute. With a gorgeous auditorium decked in the muted colours that fit the style of the New Wave masters, the programmes explore everything from well known favourites to the best from the Cannes Film Festival... they've even had a series about how football is portrayed in film, just in time for Euro 2016!
The Great Outdoors
Another recent development in the way we watch our movies is the outdoor cinema, taking beloved hits and putting them in breathtaking settings, of which Surrey and South-West London has quite a few! How about watching Kevin Costner's oddly American-sounding Robin Hood in an actual palace? This summer The Luna Cinema is returning to Hampton Court Palace in August and September with a quartet of classic movies, including “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, “Pretty Woman” and “Jaws”! The atmospheric surroundings and lively atmosphere of an outdoor screening make it a unique evening for movie fans old and young.
If you want a more relaxed setting, Battersea Park is also getting in on the fun this August with last year's mega-hit “Mad Max: Fury Road”, iconic chick flick “Mean Girls”, and Baz Luhrmann's 90's classic “Romeo + Juliet”. Both venues have bars and lots of space to put down a blanket or a deckchair so you can spread out and relax. However, it's the audience that make these nights special. In almost all cases, it's a place for movie fans to get together and enjoy a film they love dearly for the umpteenth time, and the enthusiasm of seeing it in a different kind of setting is infectious.
You can check out our full article on outdoor cinema in Surrey and SW London by clicking here
Something Different
Some of the most individual cinemas to be found in the area aren't, well, cinemas! The regions theatres offer a number of alternative options for the public, who can catch the latest Hollywood hits while still supporting arts in their local community. The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill has the adjoining Waller Cinema, with Art Deco décor and a wide selection from Hollywood hits to arthouse favourites. In the heart of Croydon is one of Surrey's most famous venues, Fairfield Halls. As well as housing famous music and theatre venues that have played host to the likes of The Beatles, the venue also has a charming cinema, showing repertory films for prices that are a fraction of the big names. Also, for the history buffs among you, how many venues can claim to have been part of the movies? The concert hall has a cameo in “The Da Vinci Code”, as part of a scene where Tom Hanks' character gives a lecture; and in the feel-good 2010 hit “Made In Dagenham”. Ben-Hur himself, Charlton Heston, also performed on stage at the venue in the 1980's.
Fancy another great piece on cinema? Check out our full listing of all the open air cinema going on in Surrey and SW London over summer
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