Woolton Picture House is a small, independent cinema in south Liverpool seemingly powered by the determination of the volunteers who run it.
Despite its quaint appearance and ambiance, the Picture House works as a functioning cinema on a daily basis, showing modern blockbusters and kid’s films as well as classics. There are some canny seasonal films sopping off in Woolton too: we’ve watched A Texas Chainsaw Massacre on Halloween and the likes of Miracle On 34th Street and It’s A Wonderful Life at Christmas.
It’s also one of the cheapest ways you can catch a new film in Liverpool but be warned: there’s only one screen and a maximum of two daily showings so if you don’t like the look of what’s playing, hard cheddar.
But the Picture House adds charming quirks – it’s an art-deco treasure inside and out. Built in 1926 it’s the oldest cinema in Liverpool. It’s showing its age a little here and there but the gently banked slop, original fixtures and fittings, projector’s box and actual curtains covering the screen are a pleasant reminder of visits to the cinema in years gone by.
Woolton Picture House is also one of the few cinemas to still have an intermission – use it to buy some ice-cream from the the usherette and eat it with a little wooden spoon. The Woolton Picture House is licensed too, so you can enjoy something harder while gazing at the silver screen (or stick to popcorn if that’s your poison).
If you like what you see you can even hire out the cinema for up to 2.5 hours and invite 30 friends. Bring your own DVD and you can watch whatever you want in your own private picture house for the day. Amongst the oh-so-lovely surroundings – you’ll feel like you’re in a film set – it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking to stage a celebration with a difference.
Visit the Woolton Picture House
The number 75 bus is the best way of getting to Woolton Picture House from Liverpool city centre.