If I had my way, I’d move next door to a good independent cinema. Back in the golden age of picture houses, average high streets had a dozen screens. These days, there are only 801 cinemas left in the country, says the UK Cinema Association, though the fact this figure has risen over the past decade tells an optimistic story.
Last year, UK cinema had its highest-grossing year; much was down to high ticket prices and a succession of blockbusters, but much was due to new cinema openings. Multiplexes keep coming, but the fascinating trend is in smaller cinemas prizing visitor experience, community and rootedness. In an age of Netflix, it takes a lot to crowbar us off our sofas. Like the free tea and biscuits at The Rex in Elland, West Yorkshire, going strong since 1912. Or the homemade cola at Bristol’s nonprofit co-op, The Cube “microplex”. The extra treat of a funicular ride to the Lynton Cinema, Devon, or the newsreels at Newcastle’s Tyneside. It’s the 30s, velveteen glamour and brilliant programming at Berkhamsted’s Rex in Hertfordshire or Finchley’s Phoenix that pulls me in.
And don’t get me going on the Peckhamplex in south London, one of the last proper fleapits. You can keep what you save on tickets (£4.99) to pay the vast rent to live in Peckham these days.
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