As the Prince Charles Cinema faces the threat of closure, six cinemagoers have shared their memories of the beloved film institution. Located just off Leicester Square, the cinema has been a cult venue since 1969, known for screenings of hard-to-find films and counting directors Paul Thomas Anderson, John Waters and Quentin Tarantino among its fans. More than 150,000 people have signed a petition launched by the cinema, which claims its landlord Zedwell LSQ Ltd wants to alter the lease in a way that would allow it to shut down the business.
Louise Rodd, who worked at the box office between 1995 and 2000, recalled serving Nick Cave drinks without recognising him, and embarrassing herself by mocking the director of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert before learning his identity. She also remembered George Lucas bringing his family to see Mars Attacks! and Natalie Portman attending a Rocky Horror singalong. Rodd noted that the cinema attracted artists due to its low ticket prices, and that Pete Doherty worked there before forming the Libertines, with the staffroom acting as a mini HQ for the band.
Jessica SY Yeung, 36, from Hong Kong, first visited the cinema during her postgraduate studies in London and was introduced to directors such as Tati, Kurosawa, Lynch and Friedkin. She praised the kind staff and the cinema's recent screenings of east Asian films, which she described as a rarity in the UK. Kat Rowles from Surrey recalled a screening of Home Alone about 15 years ago, where a damaged reel led to the audience voting to continue watching on DVD, creating a unique communal atmosphere with cheers and applause at the end.
Other readers shared similar fond memories, highlighting the cinema's role as a community hub and its importance for film enthusiasts. The petition to save the Prince Charles Cinema continues to gather signatures as supporters fight to preserve this cultural landmark.
