Prince Charles Cinema

More than a cinema, this is a part of London's culture. Famous for cult films, classics and moments of pure joy like their annual sing-a-long screenings of Muppet Christmas Carol. Bar serves alcohol alongside the sodas and popcorn. Staff are lovely. It's all a bit retro but that's the point.
Tris Reid-Smith - 4 months ago

No other cinema like it in London or anywhere else in the UK as far as I know. Love the atmosphere of the cinema downstairs gives old school grindehouse vibes and upstairs more classy modern atmosphere. Great variety of films shown something for everyone. And by far the best thing about the cinema is the no nonsense attitude towards phones can people seriously not go a couple hours without looking at there phones.
pridenixon - 3 months ago

Look… I love this cinema with all my heart. I go here at least once a week sometimes make multiple visits a week, even in a day. I love the place, the staffs are lovely. It is somewhere that makes me instantly happy everytime I go. There are 2 things that prevent it from being the best: 1. Seatings especially in Screen 1 can be challenging. I have resorted to buying seats as front row as possible because I would say I almost always have someone’s head block my view. This is due to the flat-ish seating arrangement they have. Hence why I prefer Screen 2. But that’s hardly a big issue 2. The main issue is. I find it baffling how I would think the people who goes to Prince Charles would be intelligent, sophisticated cinephiles with proper cinema etiquette. But every. Single. Time. We would get multiple Max Caddy cackling and giggling throughout the film. And it would be at the most serious and unfunny scenes too. Most notable for me would be when I watched the Final Cut of Apocalypse Now, a lady on my left with laughing OUT LOUD like a seal. Then Andrzej Żuławski‘s Possession, people were cackling like it’s a comedy when it’s the most intense and philosophical thing ever. I love the cinema but people’s stupidity really puts me off. The cinema has had a few Max Caddy housekeeping over the years I understand, which is GOOD. But it’s funny how the people who have seen that Max Caddy housekeeping clip and still proceed to behave like Max Caddy. I once was at a viewing of 2001: A Space Odyssey and I had to say out loud out of frustration “what’s so funny?!” and sometimes I’ve even thought of walking out mid-film due to this. If people laugh when it is intentionally and contextually funny that is perfectly fine. But people laugh at the most serious scenes sometimes even devastating scenes. I’ve had girls giggling throughout a viewing of Hiroshima Mon Amor once… I am convinced these people would watch Schindler’s List like a comedy. This isn’t the cinema’s fault but if any further improvements on the housekeeping rituals to prevent more Max Caddys that would truly make the performance experience drastically better. Because there’s nothing worse than immersing yourself completely in another universe just to be disrupted by mindless giggling.
Timothy Day - a month ago

This is one of my favorite cinemas to visit in London. It has a lovely old-school charm that makes it stand out from the usual modern multiplexes. The atmosphere feels relaxed and nostalgic, perfect for anyone who enjoys cinema in its classic form. One small thing to note is the seating. If you are on the shorter side, it can be tricky to find a spot where your view is not blocked by the person in front of you. I would recommend sitting somewhere in the middle, closer to the front rather than too far back, because the screen is smaller than you might expect for a large cinema. Once you find the right seat, though, it is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. I once attended their Lord of the Rings marathon they do them every month and it’s a full house with a fun vibe, which started at 9 p.m. and went through the night until 9 a.m. They played the extended cuts, which was impressive but quite a challenge to sit through. I made it to about 1 a.m. before calling it a night, but it was still a fun experience and shows how much effort they put into curating special events. What I like most about this cinema is its variety. They regularly screen older films, interesting independent titles, and classics that you might not have had the chance to see on the big screen before. It is a refreshing change from the mainstream cinemas nearby in Leicester Square, which often all show the same new releases. They also offer a membership that brings the ticket price down, which is a great option if you plan to visit often. Overall, it is a charming, character-filled cinema that keeps film-going special, especially for those who appreciate timeless and unique screenings.
S J - 5 months ago