A Tale Of Two Cinemas
First published 2016 - Fran
My original idea for this article was a lot more focused on emerging independent cinemas in general.
However, having met the people behind The Arthouse Crouch End and The Northern Light respectively, it became clear that my attention would be fixed on two. -pp-
THE ARTHOUSE
I meet George Georgiou in the relaxed cafe foyer of The Crouch End Art House and feel, well relaxed. Meeting genuine people has that affect on me. What struck me first was George letting me know that he was part of a team; that he and his partner Sam Neophytou have worked incredibly hard with an "incredible team," to realise not a dream but a hard work driven successful project.
Striking me second was the pride that George shines, not just in the award they received from Time Out. (Best Cinema) In itself a remarkable achievement, but also in the comments of local people, who constantly remark to him about how much the Arthouse is becoming a creative hub, for the Crouch End and surrounding community. But how did it come about?
George went on to describe his acting background, his partner Sam's directing experience which led them both into writing and performing plays in and around London.
This eventually and logically started the process of them looking for a more permanent venue. The present location was an obvious choice, George tells me that practicalities of the building allowed for two screens which is fine for an art -house cinema, but what does make the 'Arthouse special is a stage, which was booked up with a series of up coming concerts and plays. It was clear that the theatre side of The Art House is very important.
I'm sometimes weary of talking finance, so I skirt it a little, until George is happy to proudly acknowledge investment given by friends, family and local people who also saw a believable vision.
Striking me second was the pride that George shines, not just in the award they received from Time Out. (Best Cinema) In itself a remarkable achievement, but also in the comments of local people, who constantly remark to him about how much the Arthouse is becoming a creative hub, for the Crouch End and surrounding community. But how did it come about?
George went on to describe his acting background, his partner Sam's directing experience which led them both into writing and performing plays in and around London.
This eventually and logically started the process of them looking for a more permanent venue. The present location was an obvious choice, George tells me that practicalities of the building allowed for two screens which is fine for an art -house cinema, but what does make the 'Arthouse special is a stage, which was booked up with a series of up coming concerts and plays. It was clear that the theatre side of The Art House is very important.
I'm sometimes weary of talking finance, so I skirt it a little, until George is happy to proudly acknowledge investment given by friends, family and local people who also saw a believable vision.
I could have written this whole article about the cinema's wonderful diversity.
Celebrating Women's cinema for example, or the Gay and Lesbian film screenings, along with the film writing and film making workshops based at the heart of TheArthouse.
The list goes on... Interaction with artists ( q&a with Alison Stedman up coming )
These wonderfully constructive things are well publicised on the website and blog, which also contains some excellent film reviews)
Celebrating Women's cinema for example, or the Gay and Lesbian film screenings, along with the film writing and film making workshops based at the heart of TheArthouse.
The list goes on... Interaction with artists ( q&a with Alison Stedman up coming )
These wonderfully constructive things are well publicised on the website and blog, which also contains some excellent film reviews)
I love this cinema, I love that the cinema seats were resurrected from a closed down Welsh cinema, and I love the feeling I get from this project, it has depth! Big thanks to George and Sam and we wish you continued success with The Arthouse.
THE NORTHERN LIGHT CINEMA
Finding the Northern light Cinema was relatively easy, (remember to fork left) it's nestled deep in the heart of what I suspect is a very proud Wirksworth In a beautiful part of Derbyshire.
I get to park right outside the Cinema, a very rare occurrence for me I have to say! I walk into the stylish cafe/bar area, which oozes with it's own charming style: there I'm greeted by Paul Carr one of the owners whose design background comes as no surprise. Shortly we're joined by his wife and partner Esther Patterson, who is herself a successful designer creating the most gorgeous glass lights which adorn the cafe area.
I have to compliment Esther on her lights, they are literally brilliant!
We then move on, I'm taken for a tour and as we walk we talk about this tiny wonderful cinema...
Esther & Paul related to me with smiles only memories can shape, how It all started. I would have loved you to listen in with me, as Paul and Esther described their first guerrilla cinema activities.... what sticks in my mind is a picture of them both, one on each corner, holding up a make shift cinema screen that had been blown down by a freak gust of wind during the Hendrix demolition scene in 'Withnail & I'.
I get to park right outside the Cinema, a very rare occurrence for me I have to say! I walk into the stylish cafe/bar area, which oozes with it's own charming style: there I'm greeted by Paul Carr one of the owners whose design background comes as no surprise. Shortly we're joined by his wife and partner Esther Patterson, who is herself a successful designer creating the most gorgeous glass lights which adorn the cafe area.
I have to compliment Esther on her lights, they are literally brilliant!
We then move on, I'm taken for a tour and as we walk we talk about this tiny wonderful cinema...
Esther & Paul related to me with smiles only memories can shape, how It all started. I would have loved you to listen in with me, as Paul and Esther described their first guerrilla cinema activities.... what sticks in my mind is a picture of them both, one on each corner, holding up a make shift cinema screen that had been blown down by a freak gust of wind during the Hendrix demolition scene in 'Withnail & I'.
"The strap-line for the Guerrilla cinema was - film in unusual places. We showed in quarries, gardens, trains and woods - anything a bit different or funny. The Withnail one started with an egg butty at our local pub, followed a cardboard jag to the local quarry (that’s all me could afford) - everyone dressed up. It was hilarious. Then we had the screen disaster but everyone found it so funny as when the ball came down to hit the building the screen blew over just at that precise moment. We got through to the end somehow!" Esther P
As I understand it, Paul's graphic design space which occupied the top part of the building was soon shared with Esther after the success of her design company Curiousa & Curiousa
After some thought, the void below was turned into a cinema space, a natural progression from their guerrilla film showing. But It very nearly happened somewhere else...
Wirksworth once had a wonderful purpose built cinema, the building of which was still there, well what if that could be resurrected?
Sadly after this romantic idea was explored it was decided it was much too much work to be practical, and the idea was abandoned in favour of their existing space. However in a touching tribute the first film shown by the original Wirksworth cinema (A Street Car Named Desire) was respectfully copied by Paul and Esther as a tribute upon the opening of The Northern Light Cinema.
After some thought, the void below was turned into a cinema space, a natural progression from their guerrilla film showing. But It very nearly happened somewhere else...
Wirksworth once had a wonderful purpose built cinema, the building of which was still there, well what if that could be resurrected?
Sadly after this romantic idea was explored it was decided it was much too much work to be practical, and the idea was abandoned in favour of their existing space. However in a touching tribute the first film shown by the original Wirksworth cinema (A Street Car Named Desire) was respectfully copied by Paul and Esther as a tribute upon the opening of The Northern Light Cinema.
Attached (below) is a short film about the project by Gavin Repton. The film really shows the depth of the project and after I had watched Gavin's film with Esther she told me the true extent of the local support.
People sanding the old theatre seats, painting panels and ceilings to get The Northern Light Cinema ready for opening.
Doing everything and I quote: "With Gusto!"
The success of The Northern Light Cinema I feel will come from Paul & Esther playing to their strengths, Esther said she lets Paul choose the films for example and she clearly has a the decor and design covered.
I like it that the seats were saved from The Darlington Theatre, a similarity shared with The Art House, but there are many reasons why I like this cinema a lot. Now how can I describe it?
I once saw a play in New York, off Broadway called 'Panache', and I remember wondering if I'd i'd ever get to use that word to describe something or someone.
Well there you go, 'The Northern Light Cinema' has Panache!
I know that Paul and Esther sold some land attached to their house to finance this project such is their commitment to it, and it seems that the community of Wirksworth are feeling very proud, supporting the cinema all the way with broad Derbyshire smiles
Well done from us and a big thanks, we wish them both continued success with The Northern Light Cinema.
People sanding the old theatre seats, painting panels and ceilings to get The Northern Light Cinema ready for opening.
Doing everything and I quote: "With Gusto!"
The success of The Northern Light Cinema I feel will come from Paul & Esther playing to their strengths, Esther said she lets Paul choose the films for example and she clearly has a the decor and design covered.
I like it that the seats were saved from The Darlington Theatre, a similarity shared with The Art House, but there are many reasons why I like this cinema a lot. Now how can I describe it?
I once saw a play in New York, off Broadway called 'Panache', and I remember wondering if I'd i'd ever get to use that word to describe something or someone.
Well there you go, 'The Northern Light Cinema' has Panache!
I know that Paul and Esther sold some land attached to their house to finance this project such is their commitment to it, and it seems that the community of Wirksworth are feeling very proud, supporting the cinema all the way with broad Derbyshire smiles
Well done from us and a big thanks, we wish them both continued success with The Northern Light Cinema.
pauliepaul
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