Tis the season for movies screened in unusual locations. As Hollywood churns out little more than a stream of 3D CGI-fest blockbusters, film buffs are ripe for something a little more authentic. So how about watching a tried and tested classic while sat on rooftop, under railway arch, in the grounds of a stately home or in a dingy floating in a Lido?
Cinema events are giving street food markets a run for their pop-up pound this summer, in many cases operating alongside each other. With so much freestyle big screen action to choose from, we road tested a couple this week.
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Backyard Cinema
The big picture? Fledgling cinematic pop-up from a crew on a mission to show great films in unusual settings. Their weekend-long festival of back-to-back films at London Fields Brewery was a sell-out at every show. They return to the Brewery monthly, but most excitingly, from this Thursday (25th) are also running weekly open air screenings in the heart of Camden Lock Market throughout August.
Star quality? The laid-back festival feel and informal beanbags, deck chairs and beer keg tables are all great fun. This is the perfect antidote to the sterile multiplex, where the food, drink and party are are just as important as sitting down for the main feature.
Foyer refreshment? In the brewery, 6% ABV Shoreditch Triangle was the perfect pint with which to ease comfortably into our super-reclined beanbag seating. Afterwards, award-winning bitter Love Not War hit the spot. Popcorn is £2 a pop, while familiar streetfood vans fill the courtyard. In Camden, the choice in and around West Yard is even bigger.
Ushers? Genuinely enthusiastic movie buffs who can’t seem to contain themselves at all the fun they are having running their very own cinema.
Sideshows? Live DJs and jazz bands keep the next door arch rocking.
What’s on? For the Camden season tickets are £10. Films: Almost Famous (25th July), Stand By Me (1st Aug), Die Hard (8th) The Stone Roses – Made of Stone (15th), Evil Dead II (22nd) and Human Traffic (29th). 9pm, Camden Lock Market.
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Silent Picturehouse
The big picture? British Airways brings the big-bucks to the world of pop-up flicks. Five screens dotted around the arches of London Bridge booze palace Vinopolis simultaneously show travel/holiday themed classics: Jaws, Top Gun, The Beach, Skyfall and Slumdog Millionaire. The audio can only be heard via swanky Sennheiser headsets, so visitors can flit between screens and soundtracks, very much as they might do on a plane, in fact.
Star quality? Easing into a luxurious chesterfield sofa, complimentary glass of Taittinger in hand, this is certainly a good way to go to the movies. The silence in the arches when everyone has headphones on is strangely serene, only broken by the odd titter or startled scream.
Foyer refreshment? An assortment of very special popcorn flavours has been created exclusively by Michlein Starred chef Simon Hulstone, based on the movies showing. We enjoyed the Shaken not Stirred Martini popcorn – with a genuine booze kick, and the fiery Take My Breath Away flavour. Oversized hot dogs and old school sweets are all included with your ticket.
Ushers? Real BA cabin crew dosh out the posh chocs and Union ice cream with effortlessly unflustered panache, just as you’d expect really.
Sideshows? A daytime Disney tie-in just in time for the school holidays.
What’s On? £15 tickets include a glass of champagne, hotdog, popcorn, ice cream, sweets and treats. Runs until Friday (26th), doors 6.30pm, Vinopolis, SE1
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1 thought on “Battle of the pop-ups: Backyard Cinema Vs Silent Picturehouse”
I took my 6 year old to the BA Silent Moviehouse Kids event twice this week and thought it was one of the best experiences I’ll find to entertain her with all summer. For £12.50 (for a child) and £7.50 for the mandatory adult, the only difference between what you get for the 18+ event and the kids event is the Champagne, included in the kids ticket (and explains the added cost) is the Kids Pack that BA give out on their flights (over 3 hours) which includes an Activity Book, Pen, Skyflyers Book (for BA to fill out everytime your kids fly with them) also in the bag came sweets and drinks for the journey home, well worth the extra money, I couldn’t get everything we consumed between us (hot dogs, icecream, popcorn, unlimited pick and mix not to mention drinks) for anything approaching the bargain we found this week, only wish we could go all summer!