Starlight Cinema, Canary Wharf

[Beate]

I never knew it existed until Bevvy posted about a free Mamma Mia screening on the London board that was to be held tonight. So off we went, it is easy enough to find in an office block not far from Heron Quays DLR and Canary Wharf tube stations. Unfortunately, upon arriving we were informed that they "couldn't get Mamma Mia" so the screening was now Muriel's Wedding which has an Abba soundtrack as well. I had seen that film years ago and liked it so was intent on staying. The OH pulled a bit of a face though, he had really been looking forward to Mamma Mia!

This is the strangest cinema I have ever seen, and I have seen some. I felt like having gatecrashed an office Christmas Party! They have a bar, and the screening room is filled with lots of round tables + chairs (plus flowers on every table), with a tiny screen at the end of the room! We chose seats at a back table which was close to the curtain that separated the room from the bar, and it was so bright there that I could have read my Evening Standard during the film! The prices for food and drink were steep (hotdog £4, tiny tub of popcorn £1, beer up to £4.50), but they were also giving out tap water for free so I went for that, and the OH bravely put his Dr Pepper bottle on the table.

I estimate that the tables can accommodate about 150 people and it got quite full. Fortunately everyone was really well behaved and quiet, and we both enjoyed the film. Would give it an 8/10. The screen itself was definitely way too small though!

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

sounds like a cinema for the occult or illuminati! That was a most interesting read, nice of you to share that experience :)

[bevvy]

For some reason, I thought the screenings there were outdoors - probably because of the name 'Starlight Cinema'. I think the venue itself is known as the East Wintergarden.
It is used for all sorts of events
http://www.eastwintergarden.com/gallery.html

[Beate]

It wouldn't surprise me as it's just crying out for corporate events!
It's talking about the screening here: http://www.eastwintergarden.com/news.php?id=88
and if you click around on the site you can find pictures of the screen itself.

[superhero]

Well it would have been a nice office christmas party if you had some nice free canapes and not the expensive food/drinks they charge there.

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

Just had a look at the gallery links, its just a lecture theatre marketed as a cinema! Now why didnt I think of it, couldve made a few bob back in my uni days by turning one of our lecture theatres into a secret night time cinema...

[Beate]

Bevvy just posted in the London board that the Starlight Cinema is showing The Devil Wears Prada on Monday 8th so that's going to be film number 1 of 5 for us next week! Should probably stock up on energy drinks to survive next week.... if I didn't value my sleep so much I could even make it a double hattrick with Wolfman but that might push it a bit!

[Spanner]

I went to one of these screeings a few years ago to see the hitch-hikers guide to the galaxy, it's a really nice venue, dead different. anyway i think the different food outlets in the nearby underground shopping centre take turns in iether hosting or contributiing towards hosting these events and in return they are allowed to sell their wares to those who go. on the night we attended they were selling wine and pizza.

[Beate]

LOL, I just saw The Devil Wears Prada is on Channel 4 tonight. Mustn't accidentally watch it!

[elski]

LOL, I just saw The Devil Wears Prada is on Channel 4 tonight. Mustn't accidentally watch it!

The September Issue is on after it though :)