Forum Topic

Ealing's cinemas

It's still January and I've already seen three films in our local cinemas (Ealing Picturehouse and Ealing Project). Before you assume I'm made of money and leisure, I am a member of the Picturehouse, which gives discounts as well as a certain number of free tickets a year. This makes overall costs much more sustainable, so have a look at what each cinema offers.I have been an Ealing Project member in the past, and I was happy to see it packed when I saw Nosferatu there. By the looks of things, it's still on its feet (the cinema I mean), which is very good news. They have a Film Quiz on the last Thursday of each month (ie. next week).I haven't visited ActOne yet. If anyone has, please give us your verdict.Seeing a film in the cinema is a luxury, but its so good to have ones in walking distance and therefore saving a few quid each time.Share your cinema/film experiences. But no spoilers please! :)

Dominik Klimowski ● 126d10 Comments

Thank you

Yasha Ortega ● 113d

Act One have 'relaxed' screenings, aimed at the neurodivergent. They also have parent and baby screenings on Tuesday mornings.

Susan Kelly ● 113d

That is very helpful and sorry I am a bit lazy asking here when I could google. Thank you x

Yasha Ortega ● 114d

Hi Yasha, you'd have to check the websites, although I did notice last time I looked that the Picturehouse did screenings for people with disabilities (I think they're called 'relaxed screenings' or similar) and also screenings for small children and babies (although obviously accompanied by an adult :)I didn't check Ealing Project - they may well do them too.Hope that helps.

Dominik Klimowski ● 114d

Do any of these cinemas have family-friendly or disability-friendly days?That is a big barrier

Yasha Ortega ● 114d

I like both the Ealing Project and Filmworks but on all the occasions I’ve been the auditoria have been much less than half full, and these were for mainstream movies rather than art house cinema productions. This has been the case reported to me by other people who’ve been to both venues.Maybe the problem lies with cinema attendance being substantially lower than pre-pandemic levels, and Ealing residents simply don’t feel the need to fill either cinema regularly. Ticket prices will be a factor (even the Tuesday night bargain offers at the Project have had low turnouts). Ironically there are more interesting films on release now than in previous years dominated by endless Marvel franchise movies as their ilk, although that might mean the younger generation who like those films aren’t going as much.Worrying times for any cinema business.

Simon Hayes ● 115d

I still haven't seen a full explanation of exactly what  has happened at the Ealing Project. The loans could represent the capitalisation of services provided by Really Local Group or they could have been hard cash. If the former then it might be relatively good news but if the latter then the venue appears to be burning through cash at an alarming rate and the problem may have just been kicked down the road.

Gordon Southwell ● 115d

Membership at the Picturehouse is a good deal if you go often, as I do. After the initial free tickets, you get £3 off subsequent tickets, rather than the measly £1 you often find, and no booking fees.Act One is a delightful community cinema with an excellent café/bar. As it's run by volunteers, you may have to queue at busy times.

Susan Kelly ● 118d

Thanks for the info, Gordon. On a slight tangent, I have found the Picturehouse to be not dark enough (especially for recent films which rely quite heavily on 'chiaroscuro', such as Nosferatu, The Brutalist, and of course Conclave).I have contacted the cinema, but I wonder if it's something common in most cinemas nowadays. I didn't notice the problem so much in the Ealing Project.I will have to visit ActOne to compare.Interesting information about the loans situation and who runs it. I might dig deeper, out of curiosity.Cheers

Dominik Klimowski ● 121d

I am behind you having only seen one film at the cinema so far this year — Conclave at the Picturehouse.  It's a really excellent piece of work with Ralph Fiennes delivering an excellent performance. I had read the book so the twist at the end wasn't a surprise. Generally I do try and support Ealing Project and will choose there over Picturehouse if the times of the film I want to see fits. I haven't visited it since the separation from the Really Local Group but I did find the reports slightly concerning. It looks like they have walked away from the loans they made to it but there is a worrying lack of specifics in reports about who actually runs it. As for ActOne, I would thoroughly recommend. Very pleasant atmosphere with an attractive cafe area at the front and ticket prices are comparable to the Ealing Project. Perhaps not the place to see a blockbuster but ideal for a more intimate piece of work like Conclave.

Gordon Southwell ● 121d