An introduction to Tyneside Cinema

Opening in 1937, Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle has been bringing the Northeast one of the best cinematic experiences. They’re one of few independent cinemas in the city that ensure viewings of blockbusters, independent films as well as world cinema within one building. The cinema is also a registered charity and supports local filmmakers in their cinematic creations, something that is deemed to be even more important today as Arts funding is cut back more and more by the government. 

As a fresher in 2021, Newcastle was a very large jump from my small village near Selby, the community was at first a little swallowing and hard to get used to. But I found Tyneside Cinema to be one of those areas that is still so imbedded in the Northeast culture but rather than consuming me, it was welcoming. I often went to the cinema alone, which I know can be very scary initially, but with the welcoming staff, smaller screenings and admittedly the cute tickets you’re given per film, it's honestly one of the perfect places to destress from the large move of home to university. As well as all of this, Tyneside Cinema facilitates every customer and includes a “Digital Twin” of their building on their website, so customers are made aware of wheelchair accessibility, toilets, changing places, places to breastfeed, and information for those who are hearing and vision impaired. Assistant dogs and Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are also highly welcomed into the venue with more information found on their website for how they approach this. For me as well, someone who has bad social anxiety, I used the “Digital Twin” to scope out areas of the venue, so I didn’t feel lost or confused on my way to the cinema screening, this is a great idea if you’re someone who feels the same. 

With audience members yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, the cost-of-living crisis, and cuts in funding, the cinema is struggling for security in keeping the venue open. Their plan, however, is to raise £150,000 within the next six months via a Just Giving Page (also found on their website) to hopefully save the cinema for 2024. If you don’t wish or don’t have money, to donate, however, I recommend getting the Tyneside Cinema Membership card. It reduces tickets to £5, supports them via cinema screenings instead, and enjoy the films you want to see or films you’ve just never had the chance to see in the cinema. 

From the 18^th onwards (in time for freshers week) here’s some of what they have on:

• Dazed and Confused (30^th Anniversary screening)
• The Untouchables
• Terminator 2: Judgement Day
• Beauty and the Beast (1991)

And many more new showings!