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Audio Described

Relaxed

Parent & Baby

HOH Subtitles

Amplified Audio

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 11 Jun

Pitchblack Playback: Lauryn Hill 'The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill'

*Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted* Immerse yourself in sumptuous sounds of Lauryn Hill's hugely influential debut album at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One cinema 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, Metro and Newsweek. Duration: 77 minutes This event is not affiliated with Lauryn Hill or Sony Music.

Sun, 15 Jun

Hackney Drawing Club: Portrait of a Lady on Fire *WORKSHOP SOLD OUT

*WORKSHOP SOLD OUT! ONLY SCREENING TICKETS AVAILABLE* The Castle Cinema is parterning up with Hackney Drawing Club for an afternoon of mesmerising queer cinema, followed by a portrait workshop with local artist Chanti Lee. Part of our 2025 Pride Programme, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is an exquisite exploration of queer female longing, brought to you by acclaimed directer & activist Celine Sciamma, In 18th Century Brittany, artist Marianne is commissioned to paint a a portrait of Heloise - the daughter of a French countess - to celebrate her impending wedding. What follows is a scorching depiction of 'the dangerous, irresistible power of looking'. Portrait of a Lady on Fire was voted the 30th greatest film of all time in the Sight & Sound 2022 critics' poll and won the Queer Palm D'or in 2019. Following the screening will be a portrait workshop led by Hackney Drawing Club founder Chanti Lee. PLEASE NOTE: To just come to the screening, select one of our standard ticket options. For the workshop, please select a 'Ticket + Workshop' ticket. There is limited availability so please book in advance!

Tue, 17 Jun

Kokomo City + Q&A

Screening as part of our 2025 Pride Program, we present 2023 documentary Kokomo City, followed by a Q&A from academic & curator Lu Etienne. Kokomo City was a groundbreaking title by filmmaker & musician D. Smith, & documents the experiences of black trans sex workers living with dual identities in contemporary USA. Kokomo City had it's world premiere at Sundance Film Festival '23 and was described as 'rousing & illuminating', shining a light on one of the most marginiliased communities in America whilst also achieving remarkable intimacy coveted by many documentary makers. The film received the Panorama Audience Award at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival and also won the NEXT Audience and Innovator Awards at Sundance. This film will be followed by a Q&A with Lu Etienne, film scholar specialising in trans cinema at contemporary festivals. They're also a curator and activist.

Pitchblack Playback: Lauryn Hill 'The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill'

*Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted* Immerse yourself in sumptuous sounds of Lauryn Hill's hugely influential debut album at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One cinema 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, Metro and Newsweek. Duration: 77 minutes This event is not affiliated with Lauryn Hill or Sony Music.

Fri, 27 Jun

The Matrix + Pride Month Afterparty

Which pill will you take? Wrapping up our 2025 Pride Programme, we have the 1999 cult classic The Matrix by the Wachowski Sisters, with an afterparty in the bar ft. DJ sets & cocktails. The Matrix tells a tale of a computer hacker's reality turning upside down when he discoveres 'the truth'. This super stylish 90's Sci-FI is often cited as trans-allegory, not only because both of the directors are transgender but because the themes of simulated realiy, dysphoria, truth & transformation struck a chord within the gender queer community. Dress in your favourite leather trench coat & slick back that hair - the truth will set you free. Screening 18:30-20:45, Party 21:00-00:30.

Wed, 2 Jul

Pitchblack Playback: D'Angelo 'Brown Sugar' (30th Anniversary)

*Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted* Immerse yourself in sumptuous sounds of D'Angelo's hugely influential debut album at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One cinema 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, Metro and Newsweek. Duration: 53 minutes This event is not affiliated with D'Angelo or Virgin Records / Universal Music.

Tue, 29 Jul

Pitchblack Playback: Miles Davis & Gil Evans 'Sketches Of Spain' (65th Anniversary)

*Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted* Immerse yourself in sumptuous sounds of another Miles Davis masterpiece at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One cinema 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, Metro and Newsweek. Duration: 42 minutes This event is not affiliated with the estate of Miles Davis or Sony Music.

Thu, 4 Sep

NT Live: Inter Alia

Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind Prima Facie. Jessica Parks is a smart Crown Court Judge at the top of her career. Behind the robe, she is a karaoke fiend, a loving wife and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, can she hold her family upright? Writer Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin reunite following their global phenomenon Prima Facie,with this searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity. Please note: for NT Live shows there is no trailer reel. Shows start on time - as they would in the theatre!

The End

That's it for now.
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