If we told you that the UK’s only remaining gas-lit cinema sits right on our doorstep in the form of a charming and relaxed grade II listed building would you believe us?
The infamous Hyde Park in Leeds is home to the unique and quirky Hyde Park Picture House located on Brudenell Road which sits proudly amongst the dark and dingy student houses. Built in 1914, the cinema was the vibrant heart to the thriving community, despite the outbreak of the first world war. After celebrating its centenary in 2014 the independent cinema won the 2016 Heritage Lottery Fund which will see a £2.4 million repair, restore and revamp project. The so called ‘Picture House Project’ will bring its original features back to their former glamour as well as an additional extension on the north facing wall which respect, complement and take inspiration from the original building’s iconic entranceway improving space, access and accessibility. This exciting new project set to be finished in 2020 aims to be a building for everyone, implementing step-free access at all major parts of the cinema, providing better facilities including accessible toilets as well as a second screen in the basement whilst ‘working hard to remove non-physical barriers too – so that all audiences, regardless of their background, feel safe, comfortable and welcome’. To track the progress of our beloved cinema and find out more go to: http://thepicturehouseproject.com/
Approaching the facade you get a real feeling for how it might have been to go to the cinema fifty years ago with the nostalgic old school ticket box greeting you at the entrance where people queue up en masse to purchase their tickets for world cinema, timeless classics, indie and cult films or the latest award winner. It is easy to see why the cinema is much-loved because their eclectic film calendar highlights just how carefully curated their film choices are. Do not fear HPPH has also entered the 21st century so you can buy your tickets online as well. Once inside you really understand why this self proclaimed ‘cosiest’ cinema in Leeds is a firm favourite amongst film fanatics and hungover students alike. The plush red seating and theatrical style screen are a warm welcome to the cold northern weather outside. Don’t bother going to the multiplexes nearby when Hyde Park Picture House offers an affordable, accessible and authentic film experience.
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Freshers week showings
The Rider (15): After suffering a head injury, rodeo star Brady is told he must give up the sport. Without it, he must seek a new identity whilst exploring what it means to be a man in modern day America.
Mon 24th: 6.30pm, Tues 25th: 3.40pm, Weds: 8.40pm, Thurs: 8.40pm,
Faces Places (12a): Marking her long-awaited return to filmmaking, iconic auteur Agnes Varda forges an unlikely partnership with photographer JR, as they embark on a road trip unlike any other.
Mon 24th: 9pm, Tues 25th: 9pm, Weds: 11am, Thurs: 6.15pm
The Wife (15): Joan Castleman questions her life choices as she travels to Stockholm with her husband, where he is slated to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Fri 28th: 6.20pm, 8.45pm, Sat 29th: 5.30m, 8pm, Sun 30th: 5.30pm, 8pm
Thor: Ragnarok (12a): FREE FRESHERS SCREENING
Far from home and with his hammer broken, Thor must compete in gladiatorial duel to get back to Asgard, orchestrated by the hilariously wicked Grandmaster.
Sat 29th: 10.30pm
Image Courtesy of https://leeds-list.com/