Lights, camera, action! Grab your popcorn and hot dog — or even a glass of Champagne! — and head to one of Gloucestershire’s top 12 indie film venues for a unique cinema experience in front of the big screen.
Whether it’s witnessing the latest Hollywood cinematic sensation, sitting down to a live theatre stream or enjoying a family flick, Gloucestershire movie buffs can take their pick of independent film venues in the county…
The Living Room Cinema in Chipping Norton
Independent state-of-the-art picture house, The Living Room Cinema opened doors to cinephiles in Chipping Norton in July 2023, offering a carefully curated film programme combining the biggest and the best new releases with classic, foreign language and independent titles, in a luxurious setting.
The boutique venue features two auditoriums designed for audiences' comfort and experience, with the best in laser projection and Dolby 7.1 surround sound, as well as an on-site cafe-bar which is open from morning until evening — ready to welcome you for a glass of wine, cup of specialty coffee, hand-stretched pizza or whatever takes your fancy.
Gloucester Guildhall cinema
Gloucester Guildhall's cinema was fully refurbished during lockdown and re-opened in October 2020, and has since continued to host regular film screenings in its 100-seat cinema.
Along with its beautifully restored ceiling and panelled walls, film fans at Gloucester Guildhall can take advantage of the venue’s competitive ticket prices, Gloucester city centre location and nearby car parking — as well as an eclectic programme, which includes modern blockbusters, indie flicks, golden oldies and more on the big screen.
The Roses Theatre cinema in Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury’s flagship arts and culture destination, The Roses Theatre screens a diverse range of films, spanning the latest Hollywood movies, foreign language films, world cinema, independent productions and more, which can all be enjoyed in its comfortable 370-seat auditorium.
The varied schedule also includes dedicated film programmes as well as relaxed screenings for those with disabilities.
Sherborne Cinema in Gloucester
Offering unrivalled value for money, the independent Sherborne Cinema in Gloucester provides a boutique experience, screening recent releases and family-friendly films too — with no adverts to delay the on-screen action!
With tickets priced fairly between £6 and £7, filmgoers can stock up on goodies before sitting down to the film, including hot drinks, popcorn, ice-cream and sweets — available at equally tempting prices.
Bacon Theatre cinema in Cheltenham
As part of its varied events programme, Bacon Theatre in Cheltenham hosts regular film nights and live screenings within a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with films ranging from classics to new releases.
Each year, the arts hub also hosts an open-air theatre festival, outside in the gorgeous Greek-style Tuckwell Amphitheatre. Visitors can expect to see a host of classic drama, sublime jazz and family-friendly entertainment under the summer stars.
The Palace Cinema in Cinderford
Home to two screens, The Palace Cinema in Cinderford is a family-friendly cinema with a rich heritage, providing great value tickets, along with a range of confectionary and drinks.
Not only do Forest of Dean filmgoers have a choice of genres, spanning theatre, Hollywood flicks and children’s screenings, but they can also look forward to the venue’s comfortable seating, which offers a number of double-seat sofas for a luxurious viewing experience.
Wotton Electric Picture House cinema in Wotton-under-Edge
A 100-seat cinema which is one of the oldest in the country, Wotton Electric Picture House screens a wide range of titles within a relaxed environment, with loyalty cards available for dedicated film lovers.
The diverse programme caters to all tastes, ranging from recent blockbusters and foreign films to live theatre screenings, classic movies and even on-screen exhibitions.
Studio Cinema in Coleford
Part of a boutique chain with 14 venues across the UK, Studio Cinema Coleford is home to two screens which show Hollywood’s latest releases, along with providing a special event cinema programme of live stage screenings.
Along with its impressive film listings, the Forest of Dean cinema offers good value ticket prices, for adults and children.
The Playhouse Theatre cinema in Cheltenham
Cheltenham’s local theatre, The Playhouse, launched a regular film screening in 2016 after receiving funds from an anonymous benefactor — with an impressive programme focusing on classics and cult films.
With access to The Playhouse’s bar before the screening and no trailers or adverts, the theatre offers a charming environment and the chance to catch unique screenings.
The Barn Theatre cinema in Cirencester
As well as staging live theatre performances, Gloucestershire’s newest independent cinema The Barn Theatre in Cirencester, also began showing films on its big cinema screen in October 2020.
Bringing independent cinema to the Cotswolds, film fans can expect to watch an eclectic variety of films, spanning blockbuster and family flicks.
Tivoli Cinema Cheltenham
Opening at Regent Arcade in 2021, Cheltenham's luxury cinema and cafe bar, Tivoli, was bought by by leading independent UK cinema group, Everyman Media, in 2023.
A plush venue for film fans, the cinema offers film-buffs four auditoriums, a 32-seater private screening room, opulent decor and upmarket food and cocktails, with showings at Tivoli Cheltenham spanning the latest blockbusters to arthouse and independent films, from 10am daily.
The Regal Cinema in Evesham
Situated just beyond the county border in Evesham, The Regal Cinema is well worth the journey for a luxury cinema experience within majestic surroundings. Featuring an on-site cafe and bar, The Regal Cinema hosts everything from concert and theatre screenings to recent releases.
The Regal Cinema invites visitors to take their pick of deluxe love seats, candle-lit tables and royal box seats, so guests can sit back and indulge in some escapist entertainment.
