Prince Charles Cinema
Prince Charles Cinema
4.5
About
In contrast to other large multiplex-cinemas in Leicester Square, this is a little gem of a theater tucked away around the corner of the busy square, which shows cult classics and modern movies at reasonable prices.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Leicester Square / Shaftesbury Avenue
How to get there
- Leicester Square • 2 min walk
- Piccadilly Circus • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,249 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
196 reviews
Excellent
121
Very good
38
Average
17
Poor
9
Terrible
11
beatrizngra
Sao Paulo, SP5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
I went to the Grease sing along and it was exhilarating! It’s not just singing, they have a prep session in the beginning so that everyone can do a few moves from their own seats and interact with the movie with props and sounds. A lot of people dressed up as pink ladies or t-birds as well. The energy in the room was lively, the staff was lovely and inclusive. Honestly, I had so much fun.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaka479
Leamington Spa, UK44 contributions
Dec 2019
We went for the showing of "When Harry met Sally" on new years eve. Very in keeping with the celebration. It would have been nice to be able to choose seats in advance and if you're short like me you need to make sure you dont have tall people in front of you or sit right in front (like we did). But overall it was a really nice experience. Staff were helpful and friendly. I would go back.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina L
7 contributions
Sep 2022
I have seen over 60 films at the Prince Charles and most of them have been fantastic experiences. They show a lot of films in their proper original formats (35mm and 70mm) and they look awesome. They also do a lot of marathons and sing-alongs, which are so much fun. I can't wait to go back and, as usual I'll be taking more friends with me, some first timers.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaeta
Peterborough, UK15 contributions
May 2022
The programming is brilliant. I look forward to reading their newsletters just to see what’s on. The reality, though, doesn’t quite match. The foyer is tiny and the staff seemed slightly amateurish and didn’t open the doors until ten minutes before the show, and it was very crowded by the time they got around to letting people in. The seats are canted UP, yes, an upslope to the screen, which is set high but not that high. I’ve never seen such an odd arrangement anywhere. My view was partly blocked. I’ll stick to the front row if I return, or better yet, stick to the AFI.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
1,881 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Came here after ages. First movie in a while with the lockdown restrictions. Was very surprised. Why they bother to have a one way system and apparently manage social distancing is beyond me! Staff tried to control the lines and the number of people in the common areas but this was not done very well. People were all over each other. Seats were distanced accordingly but not very comfortable. They advertise that they clean regularly but the floors were filthy! It was disgusting. Take a wrap or shawl with as the cinema was cold. If you go during the pandemic, book tickets in advance as there are limited seats and don't get there too early as they won't let you in. Wear masks at all times unless sitting down and eating / drinking.
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen C
London, UK3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
There's me getting excited about a new experience of supporting a unique and independent cinema in the West End, but left feeling astonished at how the cinema doesn't care about supporting, literally, the paying customers who are there to watch a film. The cinema's auditorium is insanely and ridiculously raked in the wrong direction, so the rear seating is lower than the front seating, thus those sitting anywhere other than front can't see the screen and so instead get an excellent view of the heads and shoulders of those sitting in front. I at first thought that I must be imagining it, or that maybe it was some sort of optical illusion? I even got out of my seat and paced up and down the aisle to feel and look at the ramp and wonder why some clueless idiots could pass this whenever the venue was designed. Its shocking and should be rectified. If they're taking customer's money for them to watch a film, the least they can do is let them be able to simply see the screen.Â
Written April 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
1,881 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
I normally decide last minute on a movie and go wherever is convenient depending on where I am, what they are playing and times. This cinema is located in the heart of the West End. Seats are fine but quite tight, yet comfortable. Screens are not huge. Attracts a more mature crowd. Lobby is quite small so don't get there too early. What I do like about this cinema is that they have a selection of current box office hits, arthouse films and classics. Also, very reasonably priced given location and in comparison to other cinemas nearby. Staff are hit and miss. Limited but sufficient choice of snacks including the usual popcorn. Loads of eateries nearby if you fancy a bite to eat before or after the movie. If your in the area but don't make a special trip.
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George W
10 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Really cool in terms of the old film selection. Great curation of what they actually play.
The seats are all tilted backwards and looking upwards so if there’s someone in front of you you probably won’t be able to see unless you’re >6’. Some of the film reels are pretty worn but you might get lucky. The sound was also very quiet. Worth a go though.
The seats are all tilted backwards and looking upwards so if there’s someone in front of you you probably won’t be able to see unless you’re >6’. Some of the film reels are pretty worn but you might get lucky. The sound was also very quiet. Worth a go though.
Written November 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jackie12370
Dorset UK8 contributions
Dec 2013 • Friends
The seat design of the downstairs cinema completely detracts from the enjoyment of any film - unless you are over 6ft in height..
We were the first into this large seated area and had our pick of seats. We must have moved at least ten times. We particularly wanted to sit towards the front from the middle so as to enjoy the large screen but eventually resorted to the very back so we could stand up where necessary.. The comfy seats lean back (wherever you sit ) and most of the screen is obliterated by the seat in front of you. The middle of the cinema has a distinct "dip".
We eventually sat at the back of the cinema and I spent most of the film sitting on my coat with my legs folded underneath me in order to give me the height to see the screen. Occasionally I even resorted to sitting on the armrests.
I did complain to the Management and was offered a child's plastic booster seat.
I would have preferred to enjoy spending my £11 elsewhere. Or perhaps I should buy a periscope to take with me on another occasion?
We were the first into this large seated area and had our pick of seats. We must have moved at least ten times. We particularly wanted to sit towards the front from the middle so as to enjoy the large screen but eventually resorted to the very back so we could stand up where necessary.. The comfy seats lean back (wherever you sit ) and most of the screen is obliterated by the seat in front of you. The middle of the cinema has a distinct "dip".
We eventually sat at the back of the cinema and I spent most of the film sitting on my coat with my legs folded underneath me in order to give me the height to see the screen. Occasionally I even resorted to sitting on the armrests.
I did complain to the Management and was offered a child's plastic booster seat.
I would have preferred to enjoy spending my £11 elsewhere. Or perhaps I should buy a periscope to take with me on another occasion?
Written December 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJ S
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Solo
Unfortunately I couldn't enter the cinema because they are complicit in segregation of people on medical grounds! They are enforcing medical apartheid by demanding visitors show papers! This is a diabolical liberty and is discriminatory. Please Boycott this establishment.
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liv77
UK
Hi, I've never been to this cinema before and wanted advice on which is the best row for a small 6yr who's going to watch The Greatest Showman? Thanks in advance for your reply.
SamLouise67
Harlow, UK322 contributions
It is assigned seating when booking a film.
I'm sorry, Liv, I don't really know, to be honest. Only thing I can suggest is googling some images to get a feel for the layout (might even be luck enough to find pictures with children in). Good luck.
Matt F
Dunstable, UK24 contributions
when the next yello submarine sing aong so i can get my tickets early
Lottie4671
Wavendon, UK44 contributions
We got our tickets about 4 weeks in advance. Just need to keep checking the website.
amandasusan2018
London, UK
Hi can my 16 year old & 5 friends who are also 16 come to theatre without an adult?
Caroline B
Tring, UK636 contributions
Yes. Young people actively encouraged to see film and theatre now. Worth asking if there are any ticket deals. Unless they can get tickets through their mobile phone provider. Easy to check the film certificates.
Might be worth them taking drinks and snacks along in a backpack
23daniel23
Walsall, UK1 contribution
A question about the seating, where is best place to sit? It looks like the ceiling is low so if you sit at the back that might be a problem? And the seats look high so would there be people's heads in the way in front? Especially for a shorter person?
Prince Charles Cinema (London) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Prince Charles Cinema
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