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Audio Described

Relaxed

Parent & Baby

HOH Subtitles

Amplified Audio

Wherever possible we play films with the audio description soundtrack. These films are listed below, and can be recognised by the [AD] image beside the film title.

A film with an audio description soundtrack means that we can supply you with headphones for the duration of the film which will relay a special soundtrack with full description of events happening on screen. This means that anyone with visual impairment or other needs can fully enjoy the film.

An audio description soundtrack has no affect whatsoever to anyone without the headphones; it's just like a regular film.

Wherever possible, we play films with the Amplified Audio soundtrack. These films are listed below and can be recognised by the [AA] image beside the film title.

A film with an amplified audio soundtrack is specifically intended for people with hearing impairment. It means that we can supply you with headphones for the duration of the film, and you can turn up the volume as much as you need. 

An amplified audio soundtrack has no affect whatsoever on anyone without the headphones; it's just like a regular film.

A chance for parents and carers with babies under a year old to see the best new films.

The cafe is open from 10am, and the films begin at 11am. The sound is turned down a little, and the lights kept up a little. We'll also help you upstairs with your buggy!

(Please note that due to the need to keep our fire exits accessible, buggies are parked in the bar, where we have staff and CCTV, while the film is on)

Only adults accompanied by babies will be admitted.

Come with us on an adventure through space and time as we explore the outer reaches of the universe in our Summer Of Sci-Fi season!

HOH subtitles, or ‘closed captioning’, refers to subtitles specifically intended for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. They are a transcription rather than a translation, so as well as reproducing dialogue in films, aim to describe every additional non-dialogue sound available to a hearing audience, e.g. “(sighs)” or “(door creaks)” and song lyrics. These subtitles are hard-coded onto the screen. All guests are welcome to purchase tickets to these screenings and in our experience, hearing guests at these performances do not find the subtitles to be distracting at all.

Relaxed screenings offer a chance to see films in a relaxed environment and are open to everyone to attend, but are especially tailored for those with autism or others with sensory needs, as well as their friends, family and carers. Relaxed screenings are scheduled every second Sunday of the month.

Look at our Photo social story and read our Access Statement which can be used to see the venue before your visit. There is also a 3D tour of the cinema available here.

What’s different about these screenings?

The sound is lower than usual (we also have ear defenders available), the lights are kept on low, seats are not allocated, the cinema screening is filled to a maximum capacity of 75%.It’s ok to move around or walk out of the screen if you need a break. It’s ok to make noise if you need.

Our staff have all received Dimensions UK training, and we’ll make sure it’s a friendly, welcoming and safe environment.

Our dementia-friendly screenings take place every second Wednesday of the month.

The film starts at 11am, and our cafe and facilities are be open from 10am for early arrivals, tea, coffee & cake!

As with all our accessible screenings, carers go free.

We’re a dementia-friendly venue and all our staff have been dementia trained via the Alzheimer’s Society. We’ve adapted the space and made adjustments to make sure the space is as safe, helpful, and happy as possible.

This includes:

Additional signage

No adverts or trailers

Lights are left on dim and volume is turned down

The cinema isn’t filled to capacity

Relaxed – eg attendees can sing, dance or talk during the film

15 min interval

Extra cushions & alternative seating available

If you have any questions email us, or sign up for our newsletter to hear about forthcoming screenings!

Accessibility:
Please be aware, the cinema is on the first floor and there is no lift. We do have a medium-wide (1100mm) stairwell with handrails on both sides, and we’ve had several guests with limited mobility join us for films. However it does rely on walking up the stairs (with assistance as required).

Our staff will be ready to lend a hand wherever needed.

Please see here for our Accessibility Document.

Check out all the exciting events we’ve got coming up, by date.

When we’re not watching films we’re discussing them, running a quiz, learning to knit or laughing at hilarious stand-up comedy. If you’re a dab hand at arts & crafts or you’ve got an idea for an event, workshop or talk - contact us and let us know!

Wed, 25 Feb

Pitchblack Playback: J Dilla 'Donuts' (20th Anniversary)

Immerse yourself in J Dilla's incredible swansong at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating the 20th anniversary of 'Donuts' this month. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. "This sounds great' - Rick Rubin "A fabulous idea" - Jay Kay, Jamiroquai "The optimal way to listen to an album" - Max Richter "This might just be my favourite new thing to do" - Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out and BBC 6 Music. Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered!

Sat, 28 Feb

Members Only: Friendship Collage Workshop

Members Only Free Event: Friendship Collage Workshop at The Castle You’re a Castle member. You like craft and celebrating platonic love & friendhsip. This one’s for you! Join us for a two hour collage workshop focused on exploration, experimentation, and making without pressure. The session offers light structure, an intro to collage, optional prompts, and plenty of time to follow your own ideas. Glue and paper are provided, as well as magazines. We have a few pairs of scissors, so please bring yours. You are also invited to bring along any images, text, magazines, papers, or inspiration you’d like to incorporate or try out. The workshop is open to everyone, whether you’re new to collage or have a creative practice. 'We have no art, everything we do is art.' -- Balinese saying Facilitated by Marg Laing. Marg is a London-based afterhours collage and sound artist. She’s interested in the other worlds, or dreamscapes, we inhabit. She works primarily with photographic elements from magazines, combining fragments to allow new stories and emotional experiences to emerge. Find her at https://www.instagram.com/marg.collage Spaces are limited, so DON'T miss out. If you are not a member yet, join us today

Tue, 3 Mar

Pitchblack Playback: Carole King 'Tapestry' + Nick Drake 'Bryter Layter'

Travel back to 1971 for a double-bill of two folky stunners at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating their 55th anniversaries. Hear these immense records played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. "This sounds great' - Rick Rubin "A fabulous idea" - Jay Kay, Jamiroquai "The optimal way to listen to an album" - Max Richter "This might just be my favourite new thing to do" - Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out and BBC 6 Music. Album duration: 95 minutes (including 10-minute interval) Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered!

Thu, 5 Mar

Pitchblack Playback: Alice Coltrane 'Journey In Satchidananda' + Herbie Hancock 'Maiden Voyage''

Immerse yourself in a double-bill of the all-time jazz greats at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating the 55th anniversary of 'Journey In Satchidananda' and the 60th of Herbie Hancock's 'Maiden Voyage' respectively. Hear these immense records played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. "This sounds great' - Rick Rubin "A fabulous idea" - Jay Kay, Jamiroquai "The optimal way to listen to an album" - Max Richter "This might just be my favourite new thing to do" - Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out and BBC 6 Music. Album duration: 89 minutes (including 10-minute interval) Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered!

Sun, 15 Mar

March To Hitchcock: The 39 Steps + Q&A

It's been 91 years since Hitchock released The 39 Steps! With an introduction & post-screening Q&A from local historian & Hitchcock expert Gary Lewis (of Hitchcock Talks & Tours), this is a one-off Castle Cinema special not to miss. And in case you’re not familiar with the film, here’s a short synopsis: A man in London tries to help a counter-espionage agent, but when the agent is killed and the man stands accused, he must go on the run to save himself.

Tue, 17 Mar

March To Hitchcock: The 39 Steps + Q&A

It's been 91 years since Hitchock released The 39 Steps! With an introduction & post-screening Q&A from local historian & Hitchcock expert Gary Lewis (of Hitchcock Talks & Tours), this is a one-off Castle Cinema special not to miss. And in case you’re not familiar with the film, here’s a short synopsis: A man in London tries to help a counter-espionage agent, but when the agent is killed and the man stands accused, he must go on the run to save himself.

Wed, 18 Mar

Pitchblack Playback: J Dilla 'Donuts' (20th Anniversary)

Immerse yourself in J Dilla's incredible swansong at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating the 20th anniversary of 'Donuts' this month. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. "This sounds great' - Rick Rubin "A fabulous idea" - Jay Kay, Jamiroquai "The optimal way to listen to an album" - Max Richter "This might just be my favourite new thing to do" - Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out and BBC 6 Music. Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered!

Wed, 25 Mar

Fist Club X The Castle: Cassandro

THE CASTLE X FIST CLUB presents Cassandro! Fist Club Movie Club is back! London's favourite queer cabaret and pro wrestling night, are busting out of the ring and onto the big screen, with another violent queer movie and post-film social with all the Fist Club family. This time we are delighted to celebrate a gay wrestling icon with the biopic - Cassandro! Gael García Bernal is phenomenal in Cassandro - the true story of the ''exotico'' character created by Saúl Armendáriz, gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rose to international stardom as the ‘Liberace of Lucha Libre'. This screening will be introduced by Loose Willis and Rhia O'Reilly, Fist Club co-hosts, who would love to invite you to for a drink and chat in the Castle Bar, before and after the film for a Fist Club social, to talk all things wrestling, movies and fisting related. Who are Fist Club? Fist Club, as featured in The Guardian, Time Out, NBC and Reuters, is a dynamite mash-up of fantastical comedy, sensational drag kings & hard-hitting live wrestling from the most exciting grapplers around! Forget everything you think you know about wrestling shows. We are flaming, stupendous and action packed with one clear mission - to prove that wrestling isn’t just drag for straight people, it’s drag FOR EVERYONE.

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