Cinema in London

Secret Cinema

Itchy feels sad that going to the pictures is not as exciting as it once was. Remember back in the day when no-one had mobiles and you'd meet your mates outside the cinema for the Saturday matinee and pretend to be fifteen to get into the latest release? How thrilling it was when you got in, but how there are only a few films that you remember vividly because mostly you spent the hour and a half pelting each other with popcorn? Those were the days, eh?

Thankfully, even here in vast, sometimes hostile London, there is a way to get completely wrapped up in the magic of cinema. Once a month you can purchase a ticket to a mystery film screening. It will be in a mystery location which will be chosen according to the mystery theme. There will be mystery entertainment to be enjoyed by you and several hundred others who were all as in the dark as you. The whole experience is remarkable and completely enchanting, and it's called Secret Cinema.

We had been excited about our Secret Cinema experience for weeks, but the anticipation really started brewing when we received our first clues on Thursday. Bring a blanket and chalk? Wear your favourite hat? Fill in these German identity papers? Perhaps most awkward: dress code is 80s bohemia? How very confusing. But of course we were the sort of kids who went to school in their pirate costumes so we embraced the theme as best we could and headed down to Shepherd's Bush, grinning maniacally at all those who stared.

What impressed us most about the evening was the attention to detail. The venue was a cinema which had been abandoned in 1983 and derelict ever since. Actors spoke only in German. Food was wieners or popcorn. Every little thing was weird and different. Including the film – Wings of Desire was a pretty brave choice. We did enjoy it but have to admit that it probably wasn't the right film for this sort of event for many reasons, not least its length. But at least it was a something different, and the whole concept of Secret Cinema is that one must take chances in life.

If we this happened every week we would go every week. Your evening can be as wild as you make it, and naturally by purchasing a ticket for the unknown is taking a risk, but doesn't that just make the anticipation all the sweeter? The important thing is that you will have your eyes opened to a brand new experience every time. Say no to monotony and take a gamble on your social life for once.

www.secretcinema.org

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