Shhh... It’s Secret Cinema

I first heard about Secret Cinema from a friend about two years ago. The concept really appealed to me: a bunch of random Londoners meet at a secret location in the city, not disclosed until the last minute, and take part in an interactive film experience. You don’t know which film you’re going to be seeing; the only clue is from the dress code that is required for all ticket holders. Each secret venue is completely transformed to capture the atmosphere of the film - for example, an impressive Middle Eastern souk was the surroundings for the previous showing of Laurence of Arabia. Guests were instructed to wear an Arab get-up, and resulted in 14,000 people showing up to Alexandra Palace with tea towels on their heads.

Secret Cinema isn’t just another night at the movies, and you won’t find the latest blockbusters being shown here. The team of organisers favour cult classics and vintage gems, that will hopefully provoke some kind of reaction in the crowd. Actors are employed to make the experience more interactive for each event, resulting in ticket holders taking part in therapy sessions for the showing of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest’. I can imagine that being surrounded by sights, sounds and smells related to the film completely engrosses you, and is quite different to anything you’ve encountered before.

Unfortunately, I haven’t yet had the pleasure to attend one of these secret showings, though I have registered on the website and receive updates about when the next event is happening. I’m instructed to “Tell no-one”, and only whisper amongst the loyal following that have given Secret Cinema their seal of approval. Of course, it isn’t really a secret anymore; with coverage and reviews from The Guardian newspaper, Time Out and various other publications, anybody can find out enough details to get in on the fun.

Now is our chance to catch one of these mysterious events, because showings will be taking place from 15th April until 8th May. A Waterloo taxi will be able to take you to the venue. Tickets don’t come cheap; ranging from £25.00 to £35.00, you have to be willing to throw yourself into the experience to get the full impact.