Woolton Picture House

How many cinemas are showing the Maltese Falcon this Sunday (29 August 2010)? And I'm not talking about some dodgy remake starring a regular from the pages of Now or Closer. I'm talking the 1941 adaptation of the novel starring Humphrey Bogart. All for a fiver. That's right, £5.

I'm guessing it's one. The Woolton Picture House on Mason Street. This cinema, unlike many others, actually opened its doors before the Maltese Falcon hit screens. 26 December 1927, to be exact. I can imagine the excitement now - the stars of the big screen coming to this homely part of south Liverpool. People will have travelled, walked in most cases, from miles around to see films here. My Nan was one of them. Sorry Nan, showing your age!

Despite its slightly decrepit outer appearance, it hasn't lost any of the magic. How many modern cinemas have intervals where they come round with affordable ice creams/lollies? No idea, I must confess. But I do know they do here. All part of the experience.

I remember watching Nowhere Boy, the film about John Lennon, in the picture house, and one of the scenes was actually set in the very same pictures! Deservedly so, for I'm sure this theatre has touched many lives. A real treat.

Woolton Picture House (the one screen wonder!) is a little jewel in the crown of the scenic Woolton Village. It's hidden down a quaint side street and is rather unassuming, it certainly doesn't need bright lights and bold ploys or even a large selection of films to get the viewers in. That's not surprising when you find yourself in a unique 1920s art deco classic cinema, retaining all it's original features from the ticket machine to the plush red seating. An old haunt of John Lennon and a real cinematic experience from the golden age of viewing when it was fresh and new and exciting.

To comemorate those glittering days gone by, Woolton Picture House has a classic film showing every last Sunday of the month with tickets on sale for a fiver.
This week's film stars Jimmy Stewart in The Glenn Miller Story and over the next year there are classics such as Some Like it Hot, The Quiet Man and on Christmas Eve-Eve and Eve, It's a Wonderful Life is playing.

I can't think of a better venue to settle into a comfy seat with some popcorn and soak up the true atmosphere of a good old-fashioned picture house.
Cheaper than FACT and Odeon and infused with nostalgia and history it's a necessity for anyone who has a penchant for the cinematic and really appreciates tradition and charm.

One of the true gems of Liverpool, the Woolton Picture House - yup doesn't even call itself a cinema this place is so authentically old fashioned! - is a fully operational art deco cinema.

Built way back in the 1920s, the Woolton has maintained its original features right down to its old fashioned ticket stub machine and love seats! This place is an absolute must for any cinephile who wants to watch a film within the grandeur of an establishment built during the industry's golden era and can even experience an intermission to top up on your pop corn.

As The Plaza and even FACT have shown it is hard to not revert to more predictable mainstream fayre in order to compete for audiences but The Woolton does offer old movies from time to time and there are few better places to watch a black and white movie than here.

This is a nice place to go see a movie if you want something a bit different. It's very old-fashioned, with just one screen and a narrow lobby with the customary popcorn and sweets. They even have an interval and a lady comes round selling ice cream, so it's a bit of a nostalgia trip. Disadvantage, of course, is that there's not much choice, and parking can be a bit tricky in the area. However, there aren't many places like it these days, so it's worth a visit.

Excellent cosy cinema, only one screen so selection is limited. Seats are old but very comfortable!


Glad its been saved from closure!

We visited here with family members. We arrived a little early & were helpfully directed to the pub for a quick refreshment.This is a single screen cinema with an art deco auditorium, the seats are old but comforable, the staff are very friendly. The film is stopped and icecreams are sold during the brief break. We enjoyed our visit as well as the film - it is something a bit different and original. I also like that it has special screenings of older films. I will definately use this lovely picture house again.

Unique cinema with a lovely atmosphere that you can't help but love!
I would strongly recommend going to this cinema for a great night out.

Like Sitting in your own living room. Cosy Atmosphere. Really Spacious. Only one screen though so not much choice for what is on. Worth a visit. Oldest Cinema in Liverpool.

Recently saved from the threat of redevelopment the woolton is a great little cinema right in the heart of the village (so parking can be difficult). Its comfy with spacious seats and great staff. Limited choice but has all the blockbusters and with the interval and ladies selling ice creams who would want a megaplex!