GazMoviesNComics

Cinema 21.

Station Cinema, Richmond, Station Yard, Richmond DL10 4LD.

Taken from their Website:
About Us
The Station Cinema opened in 2007 as part of the redevelopment of the former Victorian railway station in the heart of Richmond. The railway station first opened in 1846 and the last trains left the platform in 1969. In 2006 under the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, The Station was restored and its interior reimagined and re-opened to the public in 2007 as a hub for 'Food, Film and Art'. You can find out more about The Station and the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust here.

The cinema came under the proud ownership of the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, a registered charity, in February 2022 and all profits go back into the upkeep and continued restoration of this fantastic building.

The Station Cinema since its inception has strived to welcome a wide range of independent and international cinema alongside Hollywood releases. Drawing audiences and members from across the North and Yorkshire; we've even had a number of international visitors! From charitable screenings, film festivals, community work, creative workshops and in person Director Q&A’s, The Station Cinema has established itself firmly on the map as the region’s leading charitably run independent cinema.

Donations to the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust are always warmly received and welcomed, and help us continue our committed work in maintaining The Station as a heritage asset for future generations. Please consider donating by clicking here.

Locating Us
Richmond is just 4 miles from the A1/A66 junction at Scotch Corner. The nearest train station is Darlington - 12 miles away and from here there are frequent bus services to Richmond.

There is a local bus service from the Market Place, which runs approximately every 30 minutes and buses to and from Darlington are under the X26/X27 routes with a stop right outside the Station itself.

The Cinema Ticket Office opens at 11 AM daily.

The Station Cinema is a Very Nice building which offers much more than a Cinema. They have a large Art gallery and local stalls selling home made products and foods. The Cafe area is incredible and a lot of the locals probably come here for their lunch and not necessarily for the Cinema.

My Ratings:
BUILDING – 9/10
LOCATION – 8/10
SOUND – 7/10
PICTURE – 7/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 9/10 HOSPITALITY – 9/10
PRICE – 7/10
COMFORT – 7/10
OVERALL – 7/10

Cinema 20.

Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland,
NE66 1PQ.

Alnwick Playhouse is just outside the walls of Alnwick town, 35 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne and 30 miles south of Berwick upon Tweed and the Scottish Border.

Alnwick Playhouse has played a major role in the life of the town since 1925, and has been a vibrant arts centre since 1990. We welcome all ages, all audiences, professional and amateur performers and provide a home to our local community groups.

Every day, we welcome hundreds of people through the doors. They might be attending a performance, buying tickets, singing in the choir, playing in the concert band, performing in the youth theatre, participating in a schools visit, volunteering or simply meeting friends for lunch at the cafe.

An absolutely stunning building but it is let down by the actual Cinema inside.

My Ratings:
BUILDING – 10/10
LOCATION – 8/10
SOUND – 7/10
PICTURE – 7/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 7/10 HOSPITALITY – 7/10
PRICE – 7/10
COMFORT – 6/10
OVERALL – 7.5/10

Cinema 19.

ARC - Stockton Arts Centre.
Dovecot St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LL

ARC was built in 1997, funded via the National Lottery, to replace existing arts facilities including the Dovecot Arts Centre and the Cannon cinema. The state of the art building with its impressive glass frontage is one of the most eye-catching in the town. Designed by RHWL Arts Team, it won a Civic Trust Award.

Another Cinema that has a very local feel and it seems to be a meeting place for people from the local community. Even if they aren't visiting the Cinema, it has a Very Nice little cafe. Other Arts Events also take place at this Venue.

My Ratings:
BUILDING – 8/10
LOCATION – 6/10
SOUND – 8/10
PICTURE – 8/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 7/10 HOSPITALITY – 8/10
PRICE – 8/10
COMFORT – 6/10
OVERALL – 7/10

Cinema 18.

The Maltings,  Eastern Ln, Berwick-upon-Tweed
TD15 1AJ.

Taken from their Website: 
About us
Our team are passionate about ensuring that high quality live performances, film, exhibitions, workshops, talks, and youth arts are accessible to everyone living, working and visiting Berwick and the surrounding area.

We have strong partnerships with local artists, community organisations, schools, universities and the wider cultural sector plus a well-established outreach programme – community and audience engagement are central to everything we do.

This Cinema feels like it is very close to the local community

My Ratings:
BUILDING – 8/10
LOCATION – 6/10
SOUND – 7/10
PICTURE – 8/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 6/10 HOSPITALITY – 7/10
PRICE – 8/10
COMFORT – 6/10
OVERALL – 7/10

Cinema 17.

The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster,
LA1 1QE.

The Dukes opened on 18 November.
It took a year to convert St Anne's Church into Lancaster's civic theatre. The Queen, as the Duke of Lancaster, had given her approval to name the space The Duke's Playhouse, and Lord Eccles, Paymaster General and Minister for the Arts, opened the new venue.

It is a very nice venue with very friendly staff. The waiting area has a feel of a cafe/bar were you can relax before or after your Film.

My Ratings:
BUILDING – 8/10
LOCATION – 6/10
SOUND – 7/10
PICTURE – 8/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 6/10 HOSPITALITY – 9/10
PRICE – 9/10
COMFORT – 6/10
OVERALL – 7/10

Cinema 16.

Vue Cinema, Manchester - Printworks,
27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS.

Discover what’s on at Vue Manchester Printworks. With 20 screens, over 2,080 seats, and one of the largest IMAX screens in Europe, it’s Manchester’s ultimate state-of-the-art cinema. Enjoy 3D movies, 3D IMAX and IMAX 3D screenings, kids’ movies, and Big Screen Events including theater, opera, dance, and sporting events.

My Ratings:
BUILDING – 10/10
LOCATION – 9/10
SOUND – 9/10
PICTURE – 9/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 6/10 HOSPITALITY – 7/10
PRICE – 6/10
COMFORT – 8/10
OVERALL – 8/10

Cinema 15.

Odeon Cinema, Great Northern,  235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN.

ODEON Manchester Great Northern is a 16 screen multiplex cinema , inside historic The Great Northern development.

The cinema screens and retail counters are situated on the second floor of the development; this is accessed via the Plaza floor in The Great Northern. You will find our box office on the plaza floor on the centre of the development.

The Great Northern development includes two NCP Manchester car parks. The entrance to this car park is off Watson Street Manchester. Post code for a Sat Nav is M3 4EE.

Parking Validation available with NCP app only. Please sign up via the app or website and enter 'odeongn' into SaverID before your visit. Offer only available for NCP Car Park 2, first entrance, for a maximum of 4 hours stay.

This place is huge it feels like an airport when you go in down stairs, I will say there was a lot of wasted space.

My Ratings:
BUILDING – 10/10
LOCATION – 8/10
SOUND – 9/10
PICTURE – 9/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 6/10 HOSPITALITY – 6/10
PRICE – 6/10
COMFORT – 8/10
OVERALL – 8/10

Cinema 14.

 

Gala Cinema.

Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA.

 

Taken From their Website:

Booking info and opening hours

Gala Durham

 

We want to make your experience with Gala Durham as trouble-free as possible, so below are some notes we hope will be useful. If you have any questions at all about your visit, our Box Office will be pleased to assist.

 

Opening hours

Box Office

Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 8.30pm

Sunday: 2.30pm to 8.30pm

Bank holidays: closed

Gala Lounge

Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 3.00pm

Saturday: 10.00am to 5.00pm

Sunday and bank holidays: closed

Booking

Bookings can be made in person at the Box Office, by telephone, or through this website. Please note, tickets booked online, or by telephone include a £2 transaction charge.

 

Reservations

Unsure if you want to book? We can reserve tickets for up to three days while you decide. We can hold group bookings of 10 or more for a little longer, but these must be paid for two months before the show.

 

Concessions

We offer concessionary tickets for selected events – please check at time of booking, and proof may be required upon ticket collection. Only one concession applies.

 

Family Friendly

Gala Durham aspires to make all of our customers welcome, no matter how small, and we really hope that our younger visitors become regulars at our theatre and cinema. In consideration of our audience and performers, we just ask that those under the age of three are only admitted to shows aimed at the very young. If in doubt, you can check with Box Office. For those under one year old, babes-in-arms tickets are available for selected shows.

 

Payment Methods

We accept all major credit and debit cards (except American Express), cash (in person only), cheque (with a valid cheque card), and Gala Durham Gift Vouchers.

 

Gift Vouchers

We sell our own Gala Durham Gift Vouchers redeemable on any of our screenings or live performances, and available in any value. Buy for friends or family, by simply clicking below to add these to your basket.

 

Buy Gift Vouchers

We no longer sell National Theatre Tokens, but will continue to redeem these until 31 December 2022.

 

Your Tickets

To help us do our bit for the environment, we would love you to use our eticketing option. We send the tickets directly to your inbox, and you present the tickets to our staff on your mobile phone. But should you need to, the etickets can also be printed off, or we can post regular theatre tickets to you.

 

Refunds and exchanges

For tickets purchased on or after Monday 9 January 2023, you can exchange your tickets for another performance up to 48 hours before the show you have booked if you are no longer able to attend the performance or film and your booking is not greater than ten tickets for a fee of £1 per ticket. Unless an event is cancelled, all tickets will become non-refundable from this date.

 

For tickets purchased on or before Sunday 8 January 2023, if you are unable to attend a performance or film for any reason and if your booking is not greater than ten tickets, we will refund the face value of your tickets or exchange them to another event free of charge if you let us know 48 hours before the performance or film.

 

For groups over ten people, tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable.

 

Stay A Little Longer…

Gala Durham sits at the heart of captivating Durham City, home to Durham Cathedral and Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the medieval streets and seek out independent boutiques and craft shops, take some time out with a relaxing riverside walk or enjoy some fantastic food and drink at the range of cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants near to the Gala Durham.

 

Catching a show is a great way to spend the evening as part of a short city break in Durham City, and there’s plenty to see and do nearby too, so why not extend your stay and explore more of what Durham has to offer?

 

Discover the county’s great outdoors with walking and cycling routes offering breathtaking views in the Durham Dales, North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty and from the Durham Coast. Don’t miss High Force – one of England’s most impressive waterfalls.

 

When in the city, a visit to Durham Cathedral and Castle is a must, and you can delve further into the county’s fascinating heritage at award-winning attractions across the county including Beamish – The Living Museum of the North and Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon.

 

Gala Cinema is run by the Council and it is a multi-purpose Arts and Culture building not just a Cinema.

 

This Cinema is more on the budget end, so if you don’t mind the standard Cinema Seats it is priced accordingly and so are the snacks

Cinema 13

Tyneside Cinema.
10 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6QG

Taken From Their Website:
Tyneside Cinema is a thriving arts hub and registered charity which aims to enrich people’s lives by thinking differently about and through film. Striving to provide a platform for marginalised members of our community, we're passionate about all aspects of film and its potential to nourish, connect, reward, celebrate and educate.

Dedicated to screening the best new releases from the UK and beyond, we’re proud to be the home of great film in the North East and the region’s leading independent cinema. Stories are fundamental to how we understand the world around us, which is why we’re committed to offering the most varied film programme in the North East and providing diverse ways for our communities to learn, share, and explore. Whether you’re meeting friends in one of our food and drink venues, organising an event with us, or popping in to see a film, we’re delighted to play a role in your story.

As we approach 100 years in our historic Art Deco home in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, we’re hugely grateful for the vital support that we receive from our valued guests, members, and stakeholders, which enables us to continue championing the very best stories from established and emerging filmmakers alike.

Plan your visit to our art-deco Grade II Listed cinema in Newcastle city centre. With four screens, our family-friendly Tyneside Bar Cafe and coffee and cocktails in Vicolo by Tyneside Cinema, there's plenty to enjoy!

There are two Film Clubs based at the Tyneside Cinema that have been in operation since 2010; made up of like-minded film lovers who want to meet and talk about the films they have been watching, the clubs even continued to meet online during the pandemic. They join a long and storied history of film societies and film clubs that have played an enormous role in the vibrant film culture at the Tyneside over the past 85 years.

The Daytime Film Club meets weekly on a Thursday at 2pm. The Evening Film Club meets weekly on a Thursday at 7pm, alternating between face-to-face and online discussions.

There is a broad mix of people from all backgrounds and ages who make up the Film Clubs at Tyneside Cinema – what binds their memberships together is a love of cinema. The Film Clubs provide a supportive space to explore cinema, discuss individual responses to the films people have seen, and to share recommendations. Discussions are lively, thought-provoking and, hopefully, fun – there is a respect for differing views of cinema that members bring.

If you would like to join or find out more about the Tyneside Film Clubs, you can access more information by contacting tynesidefilmclubs@gmail.com or reaching out on Twitter at @tynesidefilm.

We hope to see you at a meeting very soon!

This Cinema is VERY friendly and welcoming. There are a lot of stairs and from what I can tell this Cinema has a lot of smaller Screens. The Screen I was in was small, but the Picture and Sound quality was amazing.

My Ratings:
BUILDING – 9/10
LOCATION – 8/10
SOUND – 9/10
PICTURE – 9/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 6/10
HOSPITALITY – 7/10
PRICE – 7/10
COMFORT – 8/10
OVERALL – 8/10

 

Cinema 12.

JAMJAR Cinema and lounge Bar.
18-24 Park Ave, Whitley Bay NE26 1DG.

About Us (Taken from their Website).
Right in the heart of Whitley Bay, the Jam Jar Cinema offers the best in local, friendly, affordable, inclusive and diverse cinema. Following our expansion in 2019 we now have three screens, two bar areas and a lift that makes Jam Jar accessible for all.

While the bigger, multiplex cinemas concentrate on their screens, seats and sound, we take these high standards as a given. Instead we prefer to focus on our wonderful staff, maintaining excellent customer service and ensuring complete accessibility for all. We believe a trip to the cinema is unique. It's a delight, a treat and a pleasure - nothing else can beat it for sheer escapism and sense of wonder. It can transport you from the daily chores and routine to a different realm, place, time or even galaxy.

What Makes You Different?
Well first off all of this is available at the centre of Whitley Bay! The Jam Jar Cinema means no transport headaches, no over-priced food and a relaxed, cosy, inviting bar to unwind in. We offer a cosy hug rather than a corporate handshake. We have friendly faces to welcome you - not a soulless machine on the wall. Jam Jar staff are movie-fanatics - we eat, drink, think film. We can't wait to see the latest flick and we love choosing the best of what's to come for our community to enjoy.
What Are The Tier Prices?
We believe that cinema should be accessible to all - just like it was when you used to be able to get in with a Jam Jar! Unfortunately, the world we life in doesn't allow such things but we proudly did away with age based and job based pricing in 2019. We became England's first 'Pay As You Please' cinema. So we have 3 tiers, where you get to choose what's right for your financial situation. We aim for an average ticket price of Tier 2. Currently this is £9 and £9.50 for Christmas shows.
However, we get that some people might need to pay less. Or they may want to. You could be far off from payday, or you might not have one coming. You might be getting dragged along to a film you don't want to see with a friend. You might want to pay less for a child, a student or a pensioner that's fine- we ask you to pay Tier 1 currently £7.50 and £8.50 for Christmas.
Similarly, You might be a bit flush this month or you might be booking an age in advance for a film the day it goes on sale. You might have a big pension or a great paying job. You may just think "it's more expensive to go to a multiplex or another boutique cinema, why should I pay less" - we ask you to pay a little more - Tier 3 currently £10.50.

There is no difference in your seating inside the auditorium and there is no judgement what you pay - just great cinema!
We review prices quarterly and the more people pay at the tier 3, the more we can afford to subsidise tier 1
The Historic Jam Jar Cinema Model

Jam Jar Cinema is a historic idea where you used to be able to get into the cinema at a discounted rate, or for free, on production of a Jam Jar. This originated in North Tyneside and continued until the 1970’s when the value of glass dropped. By this time it had spread to cinemas all over the country, typically in areas of heavy industry: Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow; where it was known as J’eely Jar Cinema. But it started here in North Tyneside. We could think of no finer name for our community cinema than ... Jam Jar Cinema!

Accessibility
Access to Jam Jar Cinema
Jam Jar Cinema is now fully accessible following the installation of our lift. When you enter through our new main entrance (next to the post box), turn right at the bottom of the stairs to access the lift. Please be patient, our lift is slow and steady!

Our expansion also means we now have unisex accessible toilet, with support bars for wheelchair users and guests with ambient support needs. The toilet is radar key operated and should you not have your own please ask a member of staff.

Once inside the cinema, the foyer, box office, lounge bar, toilets and screens are all on the same level. If you want to be on the flat in the screen, we can accommodate that in both screens 1 and 3. We also have specific bays for wheelchair users in screens 1 and 3. For more information or advice booking accessible tickets, please email info@jamjarcinema.com.

This Cinema is a very nice little Cinema that serves the community of Whitley Bay. It doesn’t aim to compete with the big boys, and it feels very much just for the locals. This isn’t a bad thing I don’t want it to seem like criticism, the Cinema has it’s place and I’m sure the locals really apricate having their own little Cinema and also not having the Costs to pay associated with going to a big Odeon or other Big Chain Cinema.
My Ratings:

BUILDING – 7/10
LOCATION – 7/10
SOUND – 7/10
PICTURE – 7/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 6/10
HOSPITALITY – 8/10
PRICE – 10/10
COMFORT – 7/10
OVERALL – 7/10


 

Cinema 11.
EVERYMAN CINEMA.
Newcastle
75-85 Grey Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 6EF.
This Cinema is about 78 Miles from where I live.
About Everyman
Everyman is redefining cinema. Bringing an innovative lifestyle approach to our venues, where you swap your soft drink for a nice glass of red wine and a slice of freshly made pizza served to your seat.

We create a warm and friendly atmosphere, with an excellent food and drink selection and fantastic customer service. With a wide array of mainstream, independent and classic films, special events, launches and a diverse calendar of live satellite broadcasts, there is something for everyone at Everyman.

Keep your eyes peeled for more brand-new venues coming to a town near you over the next months and years.

Opening times
10am daily (or half an hour before the first film of the day, if earlier).

Screen information
Screen 1
79 seats
Sony 4K projection, Dolby 7.1 digital sound, satellite capabilities, 2D only, hearing assist capabilities.

Screen 2
51 seats
Sony 4K projection, Dolby 7.1 digital sound, satellite capabilities, 2D only, hearing assist capabilities.

Screen 3
50 seats
Sony 4K projection, Dolby 7.1 digital sound, satellite capabilities, 2D only, hearing assist capabilities.

Screen 4
36 seats
NEC projection, Dolby 7.1 digital sound, satellite capabilities, RealD 3D, hearing assist capabilities.

Very luxurious sofa style seating and the staff there were amazingly attentive, they take you to your seat and leave you with a Menu which they come back and take your order then it is delivered to your seat. I recommend you get there early because this could be annoying to other Cinema goers if they are trying to watch the trailers and stuff.
My Ratings:
BUILDING – 8/10
LOCATION – 10/10
SOUND – 9/10
PICTURE – 9/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 7/10 HOSPITALITY – 10/10
PRICE – 6/10
COMFORT – 10/10
OVERALL – 9/10

Cinema 10
Cineworld, The Gate, Newgate St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5TG.

This Cinema is about 78 Miles from where I live.

This Cinema is a 16 Screen Multi-Plex.

Cineworld are currently in administration when I write this so the future of this Cinema maybe a bit in doubt. I have no doubt another Cinema will take over this site if Cineworld go out of business.

One of the Films I went to see here was on SUPER SCREEN  which was massive but I didn't think the picture was the best it was  a bit grainy.

The Food and Drink there are very expensive, I guess all the Chain Cinemas are.

My Ratings:
BUILDING – 8/10
LOCATION – 8/10
SOUND – 8/10
PICTURE – 4/10
FOOD AND DRINK – 6/10 HOSPITALITY – 6/10
PRICE – 4/10
COMFORT – 7/10
OVERALL – 7/10

Cinema 9

The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre.
Garstang Rd, Preston PR3 0BT.

This Cinema is roughly 98 Miles from where I live.

Enjoy a VIP movie experience in our luxurious three-screen cinema.

With sofa-style seating, ambient lighting, and an intimate atmosphere, The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre really roll out the red carpet for our guests! Each of the screens is named after a classic leading lady and has a style all of its own. Drinks from the bar and snacks are available to accompany each screening. Just sit back, relax and enjoy their mix of new releases, old classics and live events. The cinema can also be booked for private movie nights.

Weekdays until 5pm:
£12 per adult | £10 per senior (65+) | £10 per child (under 18)

Weekdays after 5pm:
£14 per adult | £12 per senior (65+) | £12 per child (under 18)

Weekends, School Holidays and Bank Holidays (all day):
£14 per adult | £12 per senior (65+) | £12 per child (under 18)

Event Cinema: £22 per person per ticket

PARENT & BABY SHOWINGS:

Parent & Baby Ticket: £10

Their Adult with Baby Showings take place on the first Tuesday of every month.

Subtitled screenings are shown once a fortnight on Tuesday.

The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre has many other activities you can enjoy in their building: Curling, Crazy Golf, Bowling, Crazy Pool, Golf Simulator, VR Jungle Ride and Dining.

It wasn’t the easiest of places to get to, I had to get a train to Preston and then a 30 Minute Bus to the Cinema. If it wasn’t for the location this would be very close to a 10/10.

My Ratings:

BUILDING – 8/10

LOCATION – 4/10

SOUND – 8/10

PICTURE – 8/10

FOOD AND DRINK – 7/10

HOSPITALITY – 9/10

PRICE – 6/10

COMFORT – 10/10

OVERALL – 8/10

Cinema 8

The Forum Cinema
8-9 Market Pl, Hexham NE46 1XF  

This Cinema is around 56 Miles from where I live.  

The Forum Cinema is a single screen independent cinema located in the heart of Hexham. It is now Northumberland’s only full-time independent cinema and overlooks Hexham’s historic marketplace. The Forum strives to create community through cinema experiences by screening everything from the latest blockbusters to independent films and live theatre.  

Having first opened its doors on 23rd August 1937, The Forum has served the population of Hexham for almost 85 Years with only a few short breaks from 1974 to 1982 and in the early 1990’s when the building was bought by JD Wetherspoon. Despite the change of ownership, the cinema has retained its original Art Deco styling that was designed to replace the old Gem Palace Cinema that previously occupied the same site from 1910.  

The local development trust, Hexham Community Partnership, bought the lease on the Cinema in 2007 and established Forum Cinema Hexham Ltd as a community enterprise with all profits being used for the benefit of the Town and surrounding areas.  

Investment in the Cinema in the subsequent years has seen improved access to the first-floor premises, a new digital projector, upgraded sound systems and a satellite receiver to allow screenings of live productions from around the world. The café/bar has also been refurbished creating a relaxed and friendly environment for people to meet and enjoy local produce as well as some familiar cinema favourites.  

The Cinema’s programme is curated to be as diverse and inclusive as possible with regular Parent & Baby, Subtitled and Dementia friendly screenings. It also hosts The Forum Film Club which highlights British independent and foreign language Films with Monthly screenings, discussions, and guest speakers. In 2019, The Forum launched the Tyne Valley Film Festival, a fully community programmed Film Festival held annually in March in multiple unique venues situated across the Tyne Valley.  

Like most of the cinema community, The Forum Cinema had to close its doors in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Cinema used this time to engage with its audience in new and exciting ways including outdoor screenings and launching its own online streaming platform, Forum Cinema at Home.  

The Forum Cinema Hexham has provided employment for many people from all walks of life during its time in the Town and it works closely with local businesses, suppliers, community groups and schools ensuring it gives as much back into the local community as possible.  

My Ratings:  

BUILDING – 6/10  

LOCATION – 8/10 Located on the high street in Hexham right in the middle of the Town.  

SOUND – 7/10  

PICTURE – 7/10  

FOOD AND DRINK – 6/10 Basic Cinema Snacks.  

HOSPITALITY – 9/10  

PRICE – 7/10  

COMFORT – 7/10  

OVERALL – 7/10







CINEMA 7
Zeffirellis Cinema.
2 Compston Rd, Ambleside LA22 9DJ.

This Cinema is around 35 Miles from where I live.

For over 40 years Zeffirellis been a firm favourite for loyal friends and customers, winning many awards and accolades for our fine vegetarian cuisine, film premieres, music events and service.

Our 2-course meal and reserved cinema seat is a must for a fabulous evening out.

5 SCREEN CINEMA
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts.

All 5 screens benefit from state-of-the-art Dolby® Digital technology, air conditioning and induction loops plus Screens 1, 2 and 5 have state of the art laser projection.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Zeffirellis hosts superb live performances that have been beamed from around the world by live satellite link. In addition, events such as the Ambleside Days Contemporary Jazz Festival and Ambleside Mountain Festival introduce live performances and discussion with film makers and artists.

The service and decoration of the Cinema, Foyer and Restaurant are amazing. You can tell the people on the Box Office where more used to being in the resteraunt.

Ratings:

Building - 7/10 – Looks Okay on a very busy Street.

Location – 6/10 – It is a little confusing that the Screens are in different locations.

Sound – 6/10 It was a little load.

Picture – 7/10 Okay, if the Screen was maybe a bit small for my liking and we were in the biggest Screen.

Food and Drink – 10/10 amazing Italian Restaurant that is part of the Cinema.

Hospitality – 10/10

Price – 6/10

Comfort – 6/10

Overall – 7.5/10

CINEMA 6

Keswick Alhambra Cinema

36 St John's St, Keswick CA12 5AG

The Keswick Alhambra Cinema has been entertaining audiences from 1914. Until the 1980’s it was still lit by gas. It has a wonderful façade with Edwardian swags of fruit decorating the two-storey building. Traditional stalls and balcony remain with decorative bands across the flattened barrel vault ceiling.

 

The Keswick Alhambra Cinema is a really beautiful building that really stands out with its red bricks. We came to the Cinema from the back and from the back it does look like it could do with a bit of love and a tidy up. The front of the building however really does take your breath away. Inside the Cinema you feel like you have been transported in time, it is a really traditional Cinema and a lot of the design of it actually reminds me of a Theatre rather than a Cinema. I don’t know if this is a listed building or if they have restrictions on building work but it could do with some work on the Soundproofing, we heard some motorbikes going past the building from inside the Cinema and when we were outside the Cinema we could hear through the walls very clearly what was being played.

 

Taken from the Keswick Alhambra Cinemas Website:

FACILITIES

Open seven days a week

Gorgeously refurbished

Friendly customer service, staff knowledgeable about films

Screen 1 capacity 159 (89 seats in the stalls downstairs plus two wheelchair spaces, 68 seats in the balcony upstairs)

Screen 2 capacity 29 (28 seats plus space for one wheelchair)

Projector and Sound Equipment: Screen 1 has a Barco Digital Projector and Dolby Processor giving an incredibly sharp, bright picture with magnificent colour rendition, and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Screen 2 has a Barco Laser Projector and Processor with Dolby Digital 7.1 Surround Sound.

PARENT & BABY / RELAXED SCREENINGS

We hold regular screenings where we keep the lights on low for visibility, sound a bit lower than usual, and where the sound of infants or other more noisy or restless or jiggly cinema patrons is only to be expected by everyone (i.e., it's a 'no-tutting' environment). All are welcome at these screenings - head upstairs to the balcony if you are not accompanied by an infant. Under 24 months free. (For 15 cert films where we have a special licence from the Council, only babies under 12 months allowed). To find out what is on, and help us select films, join our Keswick Alhambra Parents & Babies FB Group.

 

KESWICK FILM CLUB

The Alhambra hosts the Keswick Film Club every Sunday evening from September to March, screening the best of British and World cinema. Film Club members and Alhambra Friends get discounted tickets, but you don't have to be a member, and anyone is welcome to the screenings. The Film Club runs the Keswick Film Festival, which takes place in Feb/March each year.

 

HISTORY

See our history page for a full history of our cinema, including photos and films - built in 1913, the Keswick Alhambra is one of very few UK picture houses that has been in continuous operation for over 100 years.

 

MAKE A DONATION

Many of our friends and supporters have kindly made donations to help us restore and maintain our beautiful building, and there's always something being worked on to keep the fabric of the building sound. If you'd like to contribute, we would be grateful to hear from you. Contact us on info@keswickalhambra.co.uk if you are interested in making a significant donation (£100 or so) and to join the list of supporters who've helped us over the years and whose names are celebrated inside the cinema.

 

THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

The financial impact of coronavirus precautions on our business (including three lockdown-mandated closures from 17 March to 23 July 2020, 5 Nov to 2 Dec 2020 and 31 Dec 2020 to 17 May 2021) has been partly offset by many avenues of local and national government assistance. In addition to small business grant schemes, the job retention scheme, and the government-backed bounce-back loan, we have also benefited from the British Film Institute Film Audience Network Covid-19 Resilience Fund, awarding funds from the National Lottery, and the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport's Culture Recovery Fund for Independent Cinema, also administered by the British Film Institute. Many thanks to the BFI who have administered the scheme and provided invaluable help and support during the crisis.

Ratings: 

Building - 9/10 – Very Impressive from the front of the building.

Location – 8/10

Sound – 7/10

Picture – 8/10

Food and Drink – 6/10

Hospitality – 8/10

Price – 6/10

Comfort – 6/10 - The person I was with found the seating very uncomfortable and I didn't think there was much leg room.

Overall – 7/10


CINEMA 5

Alhambra Cinema (Lonsdale Cinemas).

47 Middlegate, Penrith CA11 7PT.


Located in the heart of Penrith with convenient on-streetcar parking or in the Bluebell Lane car park, the Alhambra Cinema provides a first-class cinema experience, screening all the latest cinema releases as well as independent and foreign-language films in comfortable and relaxing surroundings with Dolby Digital projection and Dolby Digital sound.


This Cinema is around 30 Miles from where I live. 

 

Cinema weeks run from Friday to Thursday, with the films and times for the next week being scheduled on a Monday.

 

The Cinema doesn’t look like much from the outside, it doesn't even look like a Cinema it could be any other business really it really doesn’t stand out too much. The location is great it was very easy to find the Cinema, it was a 5 Minute walk from the train station.

However, the inside of this Cinema is amazing, I loved the retro design and old-fashioned décor. The Staff were really friendly and made you feel really welcomed. The screen was on the small side and the seats were really old-fashioned standard seats from the 90’s. The sound and picture quality were still really very good. The Cinema is priced accordingly it knows it isn’t one of the big multiplexes. It also doesn’t have any competition in the Town, I guess if you live there and don’t want to travel it is your only option.

 

For a small Cinema it has a really good range of Films they show, showing all the big new releases.

Ratings:

Building – 4/10

Location – 7/10

Price – 9/10

Sound – 8/10

Picture Quality – 8/10

Hospitality – 9/10

Comfort – 6/10

Food and Drink - 6/10

 

Overall – 7/10

CINEMA 4

Odeon, Metrocentre

ODEON CINEMA, Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9XZ.

This Cinema is about 78 Miles from where I live.

Taken From Odeon’s Website: 

Founded in 1930, ODEON is the largest and best-known cinema chain in the UK and Ireland. Since then, the world-famous ODEON Luxe Leicester Square has hosted hundreds of Europe’s biggest film premieres and is now the first Dolby Cinema™ in the UK. 

Perry Barr in Birmingham saw the first ODEON cinema open in 1930 and established the brand as not only somewhere to watch films, but somewhere to experience them too. Iconic art deco architecture and the very latest technology became synonymous with ODEON where you didn’t just go to see a film, you went to the cinema. 

Today we’re owned by AMC Theatres, the largest movie exhibition company in the world, and our passion for film and the whole cinema experience is so deep-rooted that it is embodied in everything we do.

 

METROCENTRE

You’ll find us on the first floor of Metrocentre, among the chic shops and restaurants. 

We have 12 screens of film magic including a Dolby screen and an IMAX screen. You can treat yourself to an exclusive entertainment experience with our cafe culture at Costa and icy indulgences at Ben & Jerry's.

 

PARKING

From any direction join the A1 and follow signs for Gateshead/Newcastle exiting at junction marked Metrocentre. 

You'll find the perfect spot with over 10,000 free car parking spaces. We recommend ODEON Metrocentre guest's park in the yellow car parks.

 

ODEON Metrocentre offers 12 screens.

 

My first impressions as I walked up to the Cinema was it is BIG! When you get past the tills and stuff it feels like you are in an airport it is such a massive space, which did feel rather empty when I last visited in the middle of the day, I guess it is a different experience if you go to one of their peak time shows. The Film I went to see was Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 in imax and the picture and sound quality are probably the best I have experienced.

My Ratings:

Building - 8/10

Location – 6/10 I say this because if you are not going to the Metrocentre it is a bit out of the way.

Sound – 10/10

Picture – 10/10

Comfort – 9/10

Hospitality – 7/10

Price – 7/10

 

Overall – 9/10 


CINEMA 3

Vue Cinema, Carlisle.

50 Botchergate, Carlisle, CA1 1QS.

This Cinema is about 20 Miles from where I live and it was my regular Cinema, before Parkway Cinema, Workington opened its doors. I have probably seen hundreds of Movies here; I saw 85 in 2022 this is a figure I know for certain as I started keeping track when I was writing my Reviews.

 

About Vue Cinemas, Taken from their Website:

ABOUT VUE ENTERTAINMENT (UK)

Vue Entertainment (Vue) is a leader in the premium entertainment cinema sector in the UK.

Committed to continued growth and development of its premium entertainment ‘big screen’ experience, Vue delivers the best choice of content, combined with the best technology in the best environment.

Vue has 91 state-of-the-art cinemas throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 870 screens. This includes 271 3D screens, 11 Extreme Screens, 7 Gold Class screens, 6 Scene Screens and Bars and 3 IMAX screens where Vue project the majority of our films in Sony Digital Cinema 4K for ultra-high-definition pictures with four times more detail. With over 150,000 seats, 98% of which are stadium seating, Vue's innovative development programme has led the way in the UK. Vue Westfield London (February 2010) and Vue Westfield Stratford City (September 2011) remain the first and third highest grossing cinemas in the country.

Vue Cinemas around the UK offer a range of content, in addition to highly anticipated blockbusters, with event cinema titles including opera, ballet, musicals, national theatre, live streaming of sporting events and concerts through to hosting Gaming championships and dedicating multiple screens to eGaming arenas.

Vue was founded in the UK following the acquisition of the Warner Village Cinemas in 2003 and is part of the largest cinema group in Europe, Vue International.

Over the years Vue has won numerous accolades for its service and innovations, including more recently International Exhibitor of the Year at CineEurope 2014 and Cinema Exhibitor of the Year Screen, Marketing & Distribution Awards 2013.

 

The Cinema in Carlisle is very easy to get to, it is a 5-10 Minute walk from the City Centre and Train and Bus Stations.

 

I didn’t really like the lighting in the foyer which is so low the only part that is light up properly is the concessions counters, just to remind you that they want your money. The cost of the snacks is very expensive.

 

Vue Carlisle is a seven-screen venue with approximately 1,647 seats. The seats are pretty standard you can pay extra for the VIP seats. I always think I don’t need to use the lift; I will leave it for people who need it more than me. When you get to the top you regret that decision. The 3 big Screens are on the top floor while there are 4 screens which are located on the ground floor and much more accessible.

 

The Sound and Picture Quality are both amazing.

 

My Ratings:

 

Location – 8/10

Building – 6/10

Picture Quality – 10/10

Sound – 10/10

Comfort – 7/10 (Standard Seats) 9/10 (VIP)

Price – 7/10 For the Films 4/10 for food and drink.

Food and Drink – 7/10

Hospitality – 6/10

 

Overall – 7/10 maybe 8?

 


CINEMA 2

The Ritz Cinema

The Ritz, Top Floor, John Peel House, Workington, CA14 3BA.

Again, this Cinema is around 14 Miles from where I live. The owners of The Ritz used to run a Cinema called Plaza Cinema in Dunmail Park Shopping Centre, Workington. The site where Parkway Cinema is now located.

I don’t mean to offend anyone, and these Reviews are just my opinion so please remember this. For me one of the reasons why I go to the Cinema is to be amazed. Nothing about the Ritz does this, the building it is in feels a bit low market. I also go to the Cinema to see Films on the Biggest Screens possible, at The Ritz it feels like you are watching a Movie at a friend’s house. It is not well suited to the big blockbusters, maybe for Drama and smaller productions but I wouldn’t want to see a new Star Wars Film there it would just lack the impact of seeing it in a proper Cinema. I know the Cinema probably has its faithful fans that will support it as it is run by a local company.

I really didn’t like the sound in this Cinema, it felt too loud and jarring, you had to check to see if all your filling were in your teeth when you left lol.

The Cinema is priced accordingly and is very good value for money if you don’t share my concerns, I guess less regular film goers wouldn’t be as bothered by some of the things that I bring up.

The Staff I felt was a bit of a mixed bag, some of them seem very friendly and competent but others didn’t seem like they wanted to be there.

 

My Ratings:

Picture – 6/10

Sound – 4/10

Comfort – 6/10

Hospitality – 6/10

Choice of Food and Drink – 6/10

Location – 6/10

Building – 4/10

Price – 10/10

 

Overall – 6/10