Broke Girl’s Guide to Cinema
I used to work for ODEON for four and a half years in their marketing team, looking after their website and email marketing. I was lucky enough to attend film premieres and screenings and learn about the film and cinema industry.
Film week
A film week runs from Friday to Friday, so films are changed over every week. For any films with a huge demand, you may consider booking in advance or waiting until the film is out. That said, I know if I don’t go when the film is first out, I tend to forget and then miss it!
Food & Drink
Depending on whether you want to go to the cinema on the cheap or make a night of it. Retail prices mean that sweets and general drinks are more expensive than if you buy them in the shops. I have bought my bottle of cava and sweets into the cinema before, with plastic cups to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a friend of mine. Many cinemas now have luxurious seating and bars, but just check prices before you buy.
National cinema chains
The UK is dominated by a number of cinema chains: Vue, ODEON, Cineworld, Showcase and Empire Cinemas. All have cinemas dotted throughout the UK. They show key releases and will each have their own regional and national promotions.
If you head to Leicester Square, many cinemas host film Premieres.
Arthouse Cinemas
You will also find more Art-house cinemas throughout the UK. These are examples of Curzon, Picturehouse, the Everyman, and Light cinemas.
The Prince Charles Cinema
A hidden gem off Leicester Square is The Prince Charles Theatre, which I absolutely adore.
Regional & Independent cinemas
Northern Morris six traditional cinemas | Merlin mainly operating in Cornwall and Devon | Parkway four cinemas | Reel mix of traditional cinemas and multiplexes | Savoy in the English Midlands| Scott mostly in the English West Country.
Arc, Movie House (the Irish Republic) and Omniplex (Northern Ireland) operate in Ireland.
