If you go down to the Kinema in the Woods today
midlandsmovies • August 26, 2019
If you go down to the Kinema in the Woods today
Ever wanted to see great films in a cinema that’s not the multiplex experience? Well, Lincolnshire’s Kinema in the Woods may well just be the place for you. A long overdue visit, Midlands Movies headed to the rural village of Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire to find out more about their unique film-screening experiences.
Starting life as a sports pavilion from the 19th Century, that original building sat in the grounds of The Victoria Hotel, looking over tennis courts, croquet lawns and gardens. Unfortunately, that was until the hotel burnt down on Easter Sunday 1920.
But in 1922 the pavilion was transformed into a cinema with the first film intended to be shown was to be "The Lion Eaters". Yet the film failed to arrive and a Charlie Chaplin film was shown in its place.
Despite these setbacks, you’ll find no such problems these days with the family-run business playing both the latest blockbuster releases as well as a fine selection of classics from days gone by.
As we arrived, the Kinema is definitely in the woods being surrounded as it is by a dense forest but the quaint lighting gave the building a friendly exterior. Heading inside, the black and white pictures of stars such as David Niven, a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and someone in a literal box office was a great old-style vibe of cinemas from the past. Once inside the fantastic décor continued with old film posters sitting alongside the latest blockbuster fare (a little unnerving to see classics like King Kong with IT: Chapter 2 next to it) but it all added to the charming feeling.
A glass case full of old cameras, photos and other archive memorabilia was fun to see not just the Kinema’s history but also from around the region. The largest cinema props however were a full-size Dalek from Dr. Who and a sneaky Humphrey Bogart mannequin who was guarding the door to screen 1.
The Kinema is believed to be the only full-time cinema in the UK still using rear projection but even more special is an ornate lacquered red and gold organ played regularly by The Kinema's resident organist, Alan Underwood every Saturday night.
And for us, we sat down on the classic but comfy cinema seats with a huge bag of popcorn and as the traditional ruffled curtain raised up, the bright clear screen finally reminded us that we were here to see a more recent film. The questionable quality of Angel Has Fallen (see our reviews page for our thoughts on that) didn’t dampen our spirits either. As at the intermission break – the organ rose from underneath the stage and we were treated to a fantastic rendition of a number of hits from the movies including some recognisable James Bond themes.
The Kinema caters for all ages and is also available for private hire and birthday screenings too. Their autism-friendly shows offer a relaxed environment to view films and their senior screenings take place on Thursday mornings. Non-seniors can attend to so no worries about missing out on the complimentary hot drink and biscuits! Not content with this excellent and varied programme of screenings, the Kinema also runs outdoor shows in the beautiful grounds of Jubilee Park. Film fans can bring a chair to sit on and enjoy their favourite flicks in the great outdoors but don’t forget to pack a coat and/or sunglasses depending on the ever-changing Midlands weather.
For further info check out the cinema's website here: https://thekinemainthewoods.co.uk
For full details of what is currently on and how to purchase tickets click here: https://thekinemainthewoods.co.uk/KinemaInTheWoods.dll/WhatsOn
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