With the rise in the number of out-of-town multiplex cinemas in
the 80s and 90s, many independent cinemas, in the face of tough competition, fell by the wayside.
With the multiplexes showing mainly Hollywood blockbusters, the demise of the indies meant fewer places to enjoy less mainstream movies and foreign-language films.
In the last ten years, however, there's been something of a resurgence in the world of independent movie theatres.
Many dilapidated pictures houses (the ones that weren't converted into pubs or knocked down to make way for supermarkets) have been brought back from the brink, renovated and spruced up for your delectation.
One such place to rise from the ashes is
The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley. This is actually the UK's oldest cinema and in October 2010 celebrated 100 years of service, reopening after a refit costing more than £1m.
The glorious Grade II listed building, with its magical art deco interior, now features, among many new additions, the very latest speaker system and a new cafe/bar. New seating was installed in 2006 and shortly before that, digital projection equipment was introduced.
Owned by
a charitable trust that counts Maureen Lipman and Michael Palin among its patrons, the single-screen Phoenix is much more than just a cinema. It's a place for the whole community to come together, offering not just screenings but also film study classes, live opera events via satellite from the New York Met, and Q&A sessions. It's also available for private parties, corporate functions, and TV and photo shoots.
The Phoenix shows a range of movies, including first-runs, classics, and foreign-language flicks. They also run the popular
kid's club, with special screenings on Saturdays starting at mid-day.
The competition continues to be fierce for independent cinemas – DVDs, digital downloads and state-of-the-art home entertainment systems all combine to keep the film fanatic indoors.
And while mainstream movie theatres have their place, independently run cinemas are often an integral part of the local community, and it would be a shame to lose them.
So before you go motoring off to the out-of-town multiplex or download a digital flick at home,
check the listings at the Phoenix!
