“No, we are not changing our name” read the marquee above the Prince Charles Cinema on the day of the King’s coronation.
That’s just the kind of thing you can do when you’re the last remaining independent cinema in London’s West End – which just so happens to be the busiest square mile for cinema in the world. Wild, right? The Prince Charles goes about its work with a brazen attitude, claiming, without a morsel of modesty, to be the UK’s (and possibly the world’s) favourite independent cinema. Whilst that may be a totally refutable claim, this Soho stalwart can claim with aplomb to be the British home of Kill Bill, assigned by Quentin Tarantino himself. Further praise comes from acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, who chose the theatre as his favourite in London.
The programming covers, well, everything. In any given week the Prince Charles will be showing between 2-12 new releases, alongside a feast of flicks from all decades of movie making. Whether you like cult, arthouse, or classics, singalongs (yes, they have singalong screenings) silents, or noir, they show it all. They don’t just keep it varied with the genres though, they are also diverse when it comes to format, playing movies in 35mm, 70mm, and Digital. Quite clearly the PCC caters for everyone, whether you’re hot on the pulse of new material, or you’re seeking nostalgia in an old favourite, or you want to discover something new, there’s a showing for you.
The past, present, and future of the PCC was, is, and will always be colourful (although they do also show stuff in black and white). Having started life as a home for the dramatic arts – and with a brief stint as a blue movie house – the Prince Charles has now flowered into a firm favourite among cinema-laypeople and movie-buffs alike.
A cinema fit for a king, you might say.
NOTE: The Prince Charles Cinema is open daily. You can find out more and make a booking on the Prince Charles Cinema website.
Prince Charles Cinema | 7 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BY
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