Top 5 Movie Theatres in Cambridge: A Cinema Lover's Guide
2024-09-19
Cambridge is a city rich in history, academia, and culture. When coming to Cambridge, you may visit its museums and gardens, go punting or shopping, and even check its lovely restaurants. All this aside, you can also try different theatres and movie theatres in Cambridge for a live performance or some blockbuster Hollywood production. Cambridge’s movie theatres offer a unique and diverse selection to satisfy every cinephile’s cravings. Let’s dive into the city’s film scene and discover the perfect place to catch your next movie.
1. TheLight Cambridge
The Light Cinema is a modern, vibrant movie theatre located at Cambridge Leisure Park.
The theatre prides itself on its diverse selection of films. On iconic Sundays, you will have a chance to see some of the finest works of Hollywood, both classic and contemporary. In the upcoming weeks, the cinema presents Casper, the 1995 family comedy, and The Addams Family, the 1991 film, among others.
The Light also hosts special events such as live broadcasts of theatre performances, operas, and sporting events. It currently presents live performances of different classic operas and ballets, such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Its cafe and bar area add to the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy a drink or a light snack before or after the show. In addition to light snacks such as popcorn and hotdogs, TheLight Cafe has margarita and pepperoni pizzas, different types of soft drinks as well as hot beverages, and a wide selection of teas.
2. Arts Picturehouse
The Arts Picturehouse is a beloved institution in Cambridge, located in the city centre above the historic Regal building on St Andrew's Street. Some of the newest and best productions are now screening in Arts Picturehouse. They include films such as The Critic, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Firebrand, and The Substance.
The Arts Picturehouse also regularly hosts different film festivals and events. Right now, for the 30th anniversary of Searchlight Pictures, it hosts screenings of some of the most famous films from this well-known studio, which are The Grand Budapest Hotel, Nomadland, and The Shape of Water. NT Live also presents Prima Facie in the theatre. Prima Facie is an award-winning one-woman play full of emotional intrigue and sensual concepts.
With three screens, a cosy bar area, and a relaxed atmosphere, the cinema appeals to both students and locals alike.
3. Vue Cinema
Located at Grafton Centre, Vue Cinema Cambridge is part of the well-known Vue chain and offers a classic blockbuster movie-going experience.
Vue Cinema provides a range of different experiences. Some of its upcoming screenings are Alexandre Aja’s Never Let Go, Nora Fingscheidt’s The Outrun, and classic and new Star Wars Sequels. Vue Cinema also has a family-friendly experience, with the screening of short films suited to children and even toddlers. These films offer a great experience in an intimate and relaxed environment for children to enjoy and even express themselves.
In addition to mainstream movies, Vue also showcases live events. It hosts various musical events, tours, and concerts by fantastic musicians and singers. In addition, there are ballets, operas, and even something unique like big-screen theatre.
4. Cambridge Arts Theatre
Cambridge Arts Theatre is an old institution with an age spanning over 80 years. It saw different historical events and was forced to close during the world war and even most recently due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Although not primarily a cinema, Cambridge Arts Theatre occasionally screens films alongside its schedule of live performances. Its main focus, however, is plays and live events. The upcoming plays at the theatre are Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, Apphia Campbell’s Black Is the Colour of My Voice, and a theatre adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984.
The theatre's classic charm and intimate setting make it a special place to catch the occasional film screening. At its bar, you can enjoy different types of alcoholic and soft drinks, such as Cloudy Lemonade and Pressed Apple. For a wholesome meal, they send you to their restaurant partner, CambsCuisine, which is only 100 metres from the theatre.
5. ADC Theatre
ADC Theatre is a historic student-run theatre associated with the University of Cambridge. As the oldest university theatre in the country, ADC Theatre aims to provide an experience that would appeal to enthusiastic students and those who love to learn everything about theatre production.
ADC has an intimate, vibrant atmosphere that attracts a wide variety of performances. In the coming months, it welcomes the Cambridge American Stage Tour for their stage performance of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Cambridge Footlights’ Tour Show, and Cambridge Impronauts’ The Egg, among others.
The theatre has a deep connection with student life and is a key part of Cambridge’s arts and entertainment fabric. Most of the stage productions in ADC are student works, and they get a fantastic opportunity to learn and educate themselves. Every year, it gives students a chance to fill out an application form to stage a show, practice acting, directing, and set design.
Whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, an independent gem, or a cultural screening in a historic setting, Cambridge’s movie theatres offer an exceptional variety of cinematic experiences. So, whether you're a local or just visiting, make time to explore these wonderful theatres and immerse yourself in the city's rich film culture.
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