CHISWICK CINEMA OPENS ITS DOORS, BRINGING THE BIG SCREEN BACK TO CHISWICK AFTER 87 YEARS

Trafalgar Entertainment today celebrates the opening of The Chiswick Cinema, the first cinema to open in Chiswick since 1934 and the company's first cinema complex as it continues to expand its portfolio of entertainment venues in the UK and internationally.

The new boutique cinema officially opened its doors on 25 June 2021, bringing the magic of the big screen back to Chiswick after an absence of nearly nine decades. The venue features five state-of-the-art screens, premium dining experiences, an exclusive Private Members' Club and a unique private screening and dining room, creating a landmark destination for film lovers in West London.

Photo Credit: BLAKEEZRA CHISWICK CINEMA

The opening represents a significant milestone for Trafalgar Entertainment and a major vote of confidence in the future of cinema as the UK emerges from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strong public demand has already been demonstrated, with Founder Memberships selling out within hours of the project's announcement in 2019.

Photo Credit: Trafalgar Entertainment, Chiswick Cinema

Guests at The Chiswick Cinema can enjoy a wide-ranging programme of blockbuster releases, independent films and live cultural events. Upcoming highlights include James Bond, Top Gun: Maverick, House of Gucci and West Side Story, alongside acclaimed independent titles such as Supernova, Limbo and The Souvenir Part II. Event cinema will play a central role in the venue's programming, with live broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera, Bolshoi Ballet, National Theatre and major music events.

A distinctive feature of the development is its private 16-seat screening room with an adjoining dining space, offering a bespoke cinema experience complemented by menus created by the venue's in-house former Michelin-starred chef. Visitors can also join The Chiswick Cinema membership scheme, which offers complimentary tickets, discounts on food and beverages, private hire benefits, exclusive events and waived online booking fees.

Photo Credit: BLAKEEZRA CHISWICK CINEMA

Another standout feature is the cinema's Living Wall, a biodiverse installation spanning more than 100 square metres and comprising over 5,000 plants. Designed to support local wildlife and enhance the streetscape, the wall is expected to become a defining feature of Chiswick High Road and the Founders Members' Terrace.

An official opening celebration will take place on 24 June, welcoming guests from across the film and entertainment industries. The venue will be formally opened by Oscar-winning producer Lord David Puttnam and BAFTA Vice President Greg Dyke.

Dame Rosemary Squire and Sir Howard Panter, Joint CEOs of Trafalgar Entertainment, said:

"We've long recognised the importance of the big-screen experience and event cinema has played a significant role in Trafalgar Entertainment's growth through our film distribution companies, Trafalgar Releasing and More2Screen, which distribute specialised content and live events to more than 120 countries worldwide.

“The launch of The Chiswick Cinema continues this journey and we are delighted to be opening the first cinema in Chiswick since the 1930s. The development of the cinema has been a labour of love and marks our first venture into cinema complex ownership, something we hope to build upon in the future.

"Following a hugely challenging year for us all, a trip to the cinema or theatre with family and friends will become a cherished experience, and we hope that The Chiswick Cinema will provide that much-needed escapism for years to come."

Project Director Lyn Goleby, founder of Picturehouse Cinemas and one of the UK's leading cinema executives, added:

"It has been quite a journey to reach this point. For me personally, it has taken more than ten years to bring this project to fruition and we are thrilled to be opening our doors. Chiswick residents are long overdue their local cinema and we know how much anticipation there has been for its arrival.

"We will be offering a fantastic breadth of programming, and we are ready to welcome audiences back to enjoy the world of film and everything that cinema has to offer."

The opening of The Chiswick Cinema forms part of a transformative year for Trafalgar Entertainment. Alongside the launch of the cinema, the company is reopening London's Trafalgar Theatre following a major restoration project, opening Sydney's Theatre Royal, expanding through the acquisition of HQ Theatres & Hospitality, and developing the Olympia Theatre, set to become the largest new permanent theatre to open in London since the 1970s.

Chiswick Cinema chiswickcinema.co.uk