So last week the hubby and I went to our favourite cinema, the Flynn we went to see Bad Times at the El Royale.
I wasn't sure what to expect of this film but we loved it. Drew Goddard's movie was brilliant styled with some fabulous characters and also a great story. Jeff Bridges and Cynthia Erivo were stand out performances.
However, I wanted to write about the Flynn. The Flynn is what we call the Northampton Filmhouse, which is attached to the Royal Derngate theatre. We call it the Flynn as it was originally called the Errol Flynn Filmhouse after the man who was once part of the Rep Company at the Royal .
The Flynn is a beautiful venue with two screens, each with 80ish seats. It is about the experience as well as the films. The experience is so good that I have seen more films since the Flynn opened in 2013 then I had in the 30 plus years before. Not only that but the diversity of films I watch has exploded, I have watched documentaries, foreign language films, biopics and so much more. Films which are just never showed at the multiplexes. Previously I only occasionally went to the cinema for the odd blockbuster.
This cinema has wonderful staff who know us so well due to how often we go but they are fantastic with everyone who visits.
The differences to multiplexes are not just the variety of films...but there are others, such as the seats. They are large comfy chairs with a small table every second seat. So you can seat in comfort with somewhere for your drinks and snacks. Plus leg room, you can stretch your legs. The room is enough so you do not have to stand for people to get past.
Next up is the bar, they have such an array of drinks...many of the local including my favourite cider (Saxbys) and gin (Warner Edwards). However the best part is that the drinks are served in a glass, not plastic, but a glass. It is so nice not to have plastic as you do in so many places. Oh for tea and coffee drinkers they are not in glass, but proper cups and mugs.
The whole visit is a great experience and there are also the small touches such as when you see a 3D film they provide the glasses (without charge). The final plus is the cost, tickets are cheaper. So I just will never go back to a multiplex...the Flynn is my second home.
