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
Michael Sales
On Sunday 26th April Midlands Movies Editor Michael Sales & awards ceremony co-host Ed Stagg (BBC Radio) announced the nominations for the 2026 Midlands Movies Awards live from the Queen of Bradgate Vintage Cinema in Leicester. A big thanks was given to the entire Jury Panel of industry experts who gave up their precious time to watch a huge selection of creative projects and as always, had a difficult time choosing from the excellent number of films from the region. You can read the full list of nominations across all 16 categories below and watch our announcement videos here: Part 1 & Part 2 And please also check out our great awards partner Chrome Video Best Actress in a Leading Role Karendip Phull for Family Kate Bracken for The Lace Rachel Baker for Throwing Fruit Chloe Wade for How Long Sophie Bullock for Ma Prison Best Animated Film Of All the Things by Steff Lee Big Red by James Pyle Statue in the Garden by Qianhui Yu Butterfly by Jacob Christie Best Director Luke Worrall for The Waterline Lily Portman for Quiet Jack Richardson for Daniel’s Room Jonathan Hawes for Sorry We’re Closed Sophia Dall'Aglio for Man from Mars Best Documentary Nothing's Impossible by Jacob Thomas McClean A Birmingham Symphony by Jemma Saunders We Bring Light: Leicester's Diwali Legacy by Kieran Vyas The Sunshine Café by Jill Lampert Through the Viewfinder by William North Best Sound (Editing or Mixing) Neil Evans & his team for Artificial Insanity Alasdair Gretton for Dead on Distribution Deepanjali Patel for Earworm David Hamilton-Smith for The Pause Heidi Wilson for Of All The Things Best Actor in a Supporting Role Devon Junior for Lazar Tim Sparrow for Safety Net Shaiek Ahmed Rana for Family Luke Rollason for Quiet Peter Willoughby for A Story of Spring Best Visual & Special Effects Jake Wesley-Worrall for Soul Trader Steve Askey & team for The Correction Unit Nick Willett, Matt Burkey & Jayne Hyman for Black Goat JaqD SFX MUA, Mind Magic Studios and Ben Harker for Beyond the Witching Hour Pete Key, Jai Blanks and Jacob Christie for Countenance Best Cinematography Gary Rogers for The Pause Laurence Mason-Guetta for Sorry We’re Closed Ian Snape for Soul Trader Ash Connaughton for Daniel’s Room Duane Adamoli for Surfing (nominations continue below...)
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