Memories of cinema-going in Leicester recorded for new documentary

Memories of the silver screen are being re-created in Leicester – with a bit of help from city residents.

Older people were interviewed about their experiences of going to the cinema in Leicester for a new film that was unveiled at a special screening at Phoenix Leicester.


SILVER SCREEN: The old Trocadero cinema in Leicester, which later became a bingo hall

The event was staged on September 9 by academics at De Montfort University (DMU)’s Cinema and Television History archive. It was put together by Kieran Chauhan of CATH, in association with Dr Matt Jones,  Laraine Porter, senior film lecturer at DMU and Professor Steve Chibnall, head of CATH and the only Professor of British Cinema.

The History of Cinema-Going in Leicester tells the story of the first so-called “picture palaces” in 1900s to today’s multiplexes.

Researcher Dr Matt Jones attended “silver screen” film showings at the Phoenix to interview audiences about their memories of the cinema. On-screen interviews, archive footage and old photographs of now-lost cinemas such as the Odeon, Trocadero or the Tudor Cinema feature in the documentary.

“We have spent time talking to people about what they remember about going to the cinema in Leicester – where they went, when they went and what films they queued for,” he said. “It’s been a fascinating project and one we will continue.”