Tell no-one… secret means Secret Cinema.
Here’s our account of the events that took place on Tuesday 17th January. Some facts have been omitted for the wellbeing of all concerned…
© Mike Massaro
After hearing some exciting and strange stories about Secret Cinema over the years we simply had to experience it for ourselves. The folks behind the large scale theatrical events have been popping up all over London (and the world) in secret locations, with secret audiences to observe and take part in Secret Cinema.
© Sandra Ciampone
Our evening started in a back alley, greeted by the actors in uncompromising character we were amusingly escorted to the top secret venue. With the thematic events unfolding we quickly found ourselves in role play too, eagerly conforming to our instructions and absorbed in the ‘secret’ film’s story. Given the effort and meticulous planning that went into this Secret Cinema event, it was almost impossible not to. The venue itself (and again we can’t divulge) was vast and cleverly occupied, swimming with characters and guests alike – each floor, basement, mezzanine, nook & cranny was suitably designed in the period and style of the film. Roaming around the floors and rooms with intrigue and excitement, we were having so much fun!
© Mike Massaro
After much exploration, observation and running around we sat down for a bite to eat at the Secret Restaurant, the latest collaboration, hosted by the chaps at St. John. The in-demand pioneers of nose-to-tail dining served up a humble and tasty set meal, and the eccles cakes with Auchentoshan scotch whiskey were a lovely touch on the cold evening. Throughout the meal characters would appear mingling among the diners with occasional eruptions of song and dance.
Chris Gillard, Head Chef at St John Restaurant said: “We are delighted to bring our love and passion of good food to Secret Cinema. We have created a menu to fit the event and help bring the film to life through taste.”
© Mike Massaro
Our favourite aspect of the whole experience was the feeling that you were actually in the film, involved in the plots among the actors and punters alike. Secret Cinema founder Fabien Riggall’s aim is to bring back the excitement of cinema, and he and his team have done just that. The magic of the big screen and the theatrical experience is thoroughly inclusive with more than enough energy to ignite any big kid’s imagination…
“Secret Cinema is a growing community of all who love cinema, experience and the unknown. Secret audience. Secret locations. Secret worlds. The time is now to change how we watch films. Whisper only amongst yourselves. Tell no-one.”
