Just a short stroll from the bustling Leicester Square in London, and around the corner from M&M’s World, lies the beloved Prince Charles Cinema, a cherished destination for film enthusiasts. Since its transformation into a cinema in 1969, it has captured the hearts of many for its showings of rare films, boasting a list of admirers that includes renowned directors like Paul Thomas Anderson, John Waters, and Quentin Tarantino.
As of this moment, over 150,000 individuals have endorsed a petition initiated by the cinema, which claims that its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd, part of the property development firm Criterion Capital, intends to modify the lease, potentially leading to the closure of the establishment.
Here, six patrons reflect on their experiences at the Prince Charles and express what makes it such a treasured establishment.
Having worked the box office at the Prince Charles Cinema from 1995 to 2000, I found the experience to be incredibly enjoyable. One standout memory was serving drinks to Nick Cave without realizing his significance, while everyone else buzzed around him. I also had an embarrassing moment during a sing-along screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, when I struck up a conversation with a man who stepped outside for some air. He described his connection to the film, claiming to be its creator. Amused, I doubted him and playfully mocked him in my youthful arrogance. It was only later that my manager revealed he was indeed the director, for which I promptly apologized. He was very gracious about it.
I learned that many cinematic legends, including Martin Scorsese, would enjoy their films under the radar in Leicester Square. We were ecstatic when George Lucas visited with his family to watch Mars Attacks! He allowed the manager to take an unabashed picture with him. Natalie Portman graced us with her presence for a Rocky Horror singalong, and we were all starstruck, especially since Léon had just been released.
The Prince Charles was a magnet for artists, thanks to its affordable ticket prices—just £1.50 for matinees and £3 for evening shows. I also worked alongside Pete Doherty, who shared stories about forming a band he wanted to call the Libertines. He was incredibly insightful and suggested many excellent books. Carl Barât often dropped by after work, turning our staff room into a mini hub for the band.
The audience held a special place in my heart, with their distinctiveness adding to the cinema’s charm. On particularly chilly days, I would allocate free tickets to someone in need, ensuring they had a warm place to stay. We served as a small support network for local homeless and lonely elderly individuals—a true embodiment of what the cinema represented back then. Louise Rodd, East Sussex
I discovered the Prince Charles Cinema through my close friend Tom during our postgraduate studies in London from 2016 to 2019. Coming from a town without repertory cinemas, PCC was a revelation. It introduced me to iconic filmmakers such as Tati, Kurosawa, Lynch, and Friedkin, all while offering the warmest staff with a fantastic sense of humor. Whenever I return to London, I make it a point to visit the cinema, even amidst a packed agenda. Recently, they have started showcasing more East Asian films, a rarity in the UK, which is invaluable for fans like me. Jessica SY Yeung, 36, Hong Kong
Around 15 years ago, just before Christmas, my sister and I attended an early showing of Home Alone. Expecting a sparse audience of families, we were surprised to find the cinema crowded with people our age (late 20s to early 30s), with hardly any children. About halfway through the screening, the film abruptly stopped, and an employee awkwardly appeared in front of the screen. He informed us that the reel was damaged, and as he spoke, he began to receive heckles, making me increasingly anxious for his comfort.
He presented the audience with two choices: either we could all receive a refund or continue with a DVD version that wouldn’t maintain the same sound quality. Almost everyone opted for the DVD, and we settled in to watch the rest, the staff member departing quickly. Strangely, this disruption bonded the audience; it felt as if we were watching a live performance, with audible laughs, gasps, and applause as Kevin’s antics unfolded, culminating in cheers as the film wrapped up. It was a unique cinematic experience I’ll never forget. Kat Rowles, Surrey
During my four years in London, I frequented the Prince Charles Cinema extensively. Attending the all-night Disney marathons every spring with my wife and friends, as well as the Muppet Christmas Carol each December, became a cherished tradition. For anyone remotely passionate about film, this venue is nothing short of a shrine, boasting an impressive variety from sophisticated arthouse cinema to utterly ridiculous B-movies. Murray Rodgers, 34, Inverness
I attended a preview screening of the Robin Williams film One Hour Photo at the 2002 FrightFest, choosing it on a whim and thus experiencing it without any preconceived expectations. A standout moment from that screening was the collective jump of hundreds of viewers when Williams’ eyes began to bleed during a dream sequence. Though the film’s official release came months later, it took years for it to gain recognition as the remarkable piece it is today. It has become one of my favorites, forever linked to my memories of the Prince Charles Cinema. Gerard Lough, 46, Ireland
As a regular visitor for many years, I fondly recall the PCC hosting midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show every Friday during the 90s. These screenings featured live actors and encouraged audience participation with props like water pistols, rice, and costumes. It was a fantastic spot to visit after an evening in a Soho pub, especially given how rare late licenses were back then. The cinema must innovate its programming and events to thrive; just showing a film isn’t enough anymore, especially when I can watch at home on a large screen with a comfy sofa. Mark, São Paulo, Brazil
Nestled in the vibrant yet slightly worn-soap of Soho, which seems to shrink yearly, the Prince Charles Cinema has showcased an eclectic array of memorable films (Ran; Bonnie and Clyde; The Bishop’s Wife; The Neon Demon; The Living Dead At Manchester Morgue; A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin), including some less impressive choices. It dares to present titles that no one else will, always to packed houses, making it a prime venue to catch films just before they leave theaters. My son experienced his first movie trip here, watching Frozen, and I introduced him to the Marx Brothers at this very location. While Leicester Square might be a disappointment, the Prince Charles stands as a redeeming gem. It’s one of those places that makes London truly worth experiencing. Anthony Stamp, London
