Prince Charles Cinema, London's Cult Movie Palace
Iconic independent cinema in London’s West End, famed for cult classics, sing-alongs, and vibrant film marathons.
Nestled just north of Leicester Square, the Prince Charles Cinema is a legendary independent repertory cinema known for its eclectic programming of cult classics, arthouse gems, and popular new releases. Housed in a building originally constructed as a theatre in the early 1960s, it boasts two screens with a combined seating capacity of over 400. Famous for its lively sing-along events and all-night marathons, the cinema has a devoted fanbase and a rich history as a cultural hub in London’s West End.
A brief summary to Prince Charles Cinema
- 7 Leicester Pl, London, WC2H 7BY, GB
- +442074943654
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book tickets in advance for popular sing-along and all-night marathon events to secure seats.
- Try to arrive early to enjoy the compact foyer and grab affordable snacks before the film.
- Join the cinema’s membership program for discounted ticket prices and special offers.
- Prepare for an interactive experience during cult film screenings—audience participation is encouraged.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Northern or Piccadilly Line to Leicester Square station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the cinema. The station is well-serviced and accessible, with frequent trains running throughout the day. Ticket prices vary from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on time and ticket type.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Leicester Square area, including routes 24, 29, and 176. Travel times range from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses accept contactless payment and Oyster cards, with fares around £1.75 per journey.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber can drop you close to 7 Leicester Place. Travel times vary from 10 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares starting from £8 in central London, increasing during peak hours.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in the West End or Covent Garden, walking to the cinema is a pleasant option. The terrain is flat and accessible, with walking times ranging from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point.
Prince Charles Cinema location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Prince Charles Cinema
A Storied Beginning and Architectural Roots
The Prince Charles Cinema occupies a building originally designed by Carl Fisher and Associates and constructed between 1961 and 1962. Initially opened as the Prince Charles Theatre, it featured a unique ‘satellite dish’ curved floor in the stalls, creating an upward seating angle for audiences. The theatre was intended for live performances but included projection equipment from the start, foreshadowing its future as a cinema. Despite its promising design and artistic ambitions, the theatre struggled commercially, undergoing various reinventions including a brief stint as a music hall before its transformation into a cinema in 1969. The conversion removed the stage and reconfigured the auditorium to increase capacity, marking the birth of the Prince Charles Cinema as a dedicated film venue.Eclectic Programming and Cult Status
Since its rebirth as a cinema, the Prince Charles has become renowned for its daring and diverse film programming. It gained early notoriety in the 1970s for screening European arthouse films with explicit content, earning a reputation as a ‘softcore porn’ cinema. Over the decades, it expanded its scope to include cult classics, horror premieres like "Hellraiser," and niche arthouse titles alongside popular Hollywood releases. Its programming philosophy embraces variety and risk, often featuring midnight marathons, sing-along screenings of "The Sound of Music" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and interactive events that foster a communal atmosphere. The cinema’s loyal audience appreciates its affordable ticket prices and the unique experience it offers compared to mainstream multiplexes.Physical Space and Viewing Experience
The cinema operates two screens: a larger downstairs auditorium with 300 velvet seats and a smaller upstairs screen with 104 high-backed leather seats. The building’s distinctive curved floor and steep seating rake create an intimate yet dynamic viewing environment. While some have noted the unconventional seating arrangement can affect sightlines, many patrons find the atmosphere and comfort conducive to an engaging cinema experience. The foyer is compact but welcoming, offering confectionery at reasonable prices and a convivial vibe that complements the cinema’s independent spirit.Community Significance and Cultural Impact
The Prince Charles Cinema holds the status of an Asset of Community Value, recognized by Westminster City Council for its vital role in London’s cultural life. It is the only independent cinema in Westminster and has been championed by notable filmmakers including Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson. The cinema has weathered challenges such as rent disputes and redevelopment threats, rallying public support through petitions and campaigns to secure its future. Beyond film screenings, it serves as a hub for cinephiles, filmmakers, and local creatives, fostering a sense of community and artistic freedom in the heart of London’s West End.Unique Events and Audience Engagement
The cinema is famed for its interactive and themed events, which include all-night movie marathons where audiences often attend in pyjamas with pillows, sing-along shows with on-screen subtitles and a live host, and cult film screenings with participatory traditions like shouting and prop-throwing. These events create a lively, fun-filled ambience that distinguishes the Prince Charles from conventional cinemas. The venue’s embrace of ‘bad movies’ and cult favorites like "The Room" has cultivated a vibrant subculture of movie lovers who celebrate film as a shared, joyous experience.Legacy and Ongoing Relevance
From its theatrical origins to its current incarnation as a beloved repertory cinema, the Prince Charles Cinema embodies a rich tapestry of London’s entertainment history. Its commitment to affordable, diverse, and unconventional film programming continues to attract audiences seeking an alternative to mainstream cinema. Despite pressures from urban development and changing industry landscapes, the cinema remains a beacon for independent film culture and community engagement in central London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Goodwin’s Court
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Piccadilly Circus
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Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
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Mercer Walk
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Scenes in the Square Sculpture Trail
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Leicester Square
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Discover Leicester Square, London's vibrant entertainment hub, rich with theaters, dining, and lively street performances, perfect for tourists seeking excitement.
Harry Potter Statue
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Zoo Bar & Club
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Dive into London’s nightlife at Zoo Bar & Club, a cocktail haven offering themed parties, delicious drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere right in the city center.
Mr Bean Statue
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Sit beside cinema's most beloved bumbler in Leicester Square's iconic film tribute.
The Hippodrome Casino London
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Chinatown Gate
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Essential places to dine
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Meet Fresh
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Evelyn's Table
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Gauthier Soho
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J Sheekey
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La Bodega Negra Restaurant
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Hoppers Soho
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Bantof
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Blacklock Soho
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Quo Vadis
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Kricket Soho
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Sussex Bar & Restaurant
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Clos Maggiore
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Hawksmoor Seven Dials
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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La Boutik
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Swift Soho
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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St Moritz Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
