PHCL Film Show

Experience the magic of cinema at the Primrose Hill Community Library Film Show. Join us for captivating movies on the first Tuesday of the month.

Doors open: 7:15 PM • Introduction: 7.45 PM • Film starts: 8.00 PM

Tickets are priced at £8 and include a complimentary glass of wine or a soft drink. You can purchase your tickets online in advance through this website or visit the Library for assistance. Be sure to book early as demand can be high.

For more information about the Film Show, it’s history and FAQs, please refer to the sections below.

Email the Film Show Team

Next Film Show: Raising the Wind

The next Film Show is on Tuesday 6th May 2025

Film Show History

Monthly film shows at the library began in January 2014 with a screening of The Madness of King George which was introduced by Alan Bennett. Since then, we have shown over 100 features from 15 different countries. These range from the 1924 silent drama The Signal Tower (which was shown with live musical accompaniment) to the 2019 Oscar Winner for Best Documentary, Free Solo. 

The screenings are preceded by an informal glass of wine while the audience gathers and a short introduction once everyone sits down. These talks have often been given by local residents with a particular connection to the film, but we have also welcomed some very distinguished guest speakers including the writers Hanif Kureishi and Deborah Moggach, directors Roger Michell, Gurinder Chadha, Nicholas Hytner and Julian Jarrold, actors Jude Law, Denis Lawson and Imelda Staunton, and producers Sandy Lieberson, Roger Randall- Cutler and Steve Abbott, not to mention the celebrated film historian Kevin Brownlow and the legendary film and sound editor Walter Murch. 

There have been many memorable evenings, and some particular highlights include the actress Shirley-Anne Field “making an entrance” from behind a curtain to introduce Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, pin-dropping silence throughout a screening of the exquisite French film Un Coeur en Hiver, Michael Palin telling us about the scenes that weren’t included in A Life of Brian (Simon Peter trying to book a table for The Last Supper in the middle of Passover), and an audience comprised mostly of septuagenarians seeming to skip its way home after an exhilarating evening watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Roger dance their way through Top Hat. 

Having organised the screenings since their inception, Pam White and Colin Ludlow have decided that it is now time to pass on that responsibility to others, and in the summer of 2023 a new (and younger!) team will be taking charge led by Adam Alcolea and Helen Highet. As part of the handover, we are also introducing a new digital ticketing scheme which will allow people to book tickets online rather than having to purchase them from the library in person. However, while change is in the air and the film shows will naturally evolve, it is intended to maintain the underlying format of the screenings and we hope to be welcoming audiences to many more of these much-loved community events far into the future.

FAQs

Click the question to reveal the answers.

How much are tickets?
Tickets are £8 per person and include admission to the Film Show as well as a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale a month in advance (usually the day after a screening) until 7pm on the day of the Film Show. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment.
Can I purchase tickets at the Library?
If you are among the small number of our audience who are unable to buy tickets online but would like to purchase in advance, please visit the Library where someone will be happy to assist you.
Can I purchase tickets on the night of the Film Show?
Yes. On the night of the Film Show, a minimum of 5 tickets will be available for purchase at the Library from 7.15pm on a first come first served basis. Payment options will include cash, as well as credit or debit cards.
Is there a refund policy?
Tickets are non-refundable and seating is unreserved. Latecomers may not be admitted and their seats offered to other guests. The library is volunteer-run, and the funding from events like the Film Show is crucial to keeping our doors open and continuing to serve the community.
Is there a screening every month?
Screenings are on the first Tuesday of the month and we bring you 10 films annually. Please note that we take a brief hiatus during the months of August and January.
Is the Film Show accessible?
The Library is wheelchair accessible, and we can easily accommodate wheelchair users. Many of the films featured throughout the year are foreign language with subtitles. Unfortunately, films in English do not include captions. If you have specific hearing or visual impairment needs, please inform us, and we will do our best to provide the most suitable seating arrangement for you. If you have any other assistance needs, please contact us, and we will strive to ensure your enjoyment of the Film Show.
Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted at the Film Show. We apologise for any inconvenience. However, if you require an assistance dog, please get in touch so we can make suitable arrangements for your visit.
Can I purchase food and drink?
Your first glass of wine or soft drink is complimentary with your ticket purchase. Additional drinks can be purchased for £3 each. Please note that red wine is not allowed inside the screening area. We do not currently offer any food for sale.