The Old Fashioned Picture House

I have fond memories of visiting the cinema as a child - The Gaumont, The Ritz and the ABC with their cranky wooden seats, the plush red upholstery all around, the usherettes with their torches, the ice creams at interval time, the feeling of escape from the brash outside world to the cosy, dark interior of the auditorium, the adverts for the local curry house and the distinctive smell of the old building which had entertained cinema goers for years.  

But gradually a lot of these cinemas have been turned into Multiplex cinemas (cram 'em in as much as you can and sell 'em sugary drinks and sweets at hugely inflated prices).  Even worse, many have disappeared altogether.  But a few of the old style cinemas have stood the test of time and we are so lucky that our closest cinemas in Worthing are both "old-style" cinemas that have been refurbished to provide modern comforts (digital technology, comfy seats, air conditioning etc) but still retain their old world charm.

The Art Deco style Connaught doubles up as a theatre and cinema and shows all of the latest movies in 2D and 3D along with some of the old classics.  The Connaught Studio is a smaller space housed in the same building and in addition to screening movies, also hosts live music and comedy events.  

The Dome Cinema in Worthing

The Edwardian style Dome Cinema overlooks the seafront and also hosts 2 screens.  It is a grade II listed building and has recently been refurbished and is our particular favourite. 

If you think the Dome looks familiar, it featured in the 1980's film Wish You Were Here, which told the bittersweet story of teenage girl growing up in an English seaside town in the 1950's.

Both cinemas have a calm and civilised air about them and the staff are always very friendly.  

It's a good excuse to get the Dome a little bit earlier to allow time for a drink in The Projectionist's Bar before the performance (but you're also allowed to take your drink into the auditorium, which is a nice touch)