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All the United Kingdom England Lincolnshire Kinema in the Woods

Kinema in the Woods

This century-old cinema is complete with musical interludes and boasts a rare projection system.

Lincolnshire, England

Added By
Alan Newman
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  John M / CC BY-SA 2.0
  John M / CC BY-SA 2.0
Original auditorium and the organ   Richard Croft / CC BY-SA 2.0
  Richard Croft / CC BY-SA 2.0
  Neil Theasby / CC BY-SA 2.0
Memorabilia   greggc80 / Atlas Obscura User
Memorabilia   greggc80 / Atlas Obscura User
Cinema 1   greggc80 / Atlas Obscura User
  jooniur / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This unusual and historic cinema was once an early 19th century farmhouse, before being converted into a recreation and entertainment center serving the nearby Victoria Hotel. After the hotel was destroyed by fire, the building was converted into the 68th cinema in Britain, opening in 1922. It was originally dubbed the "Pavilion Cinema."

However, upon completion headroom inside didn't allow for a normal projection system, so a back-projection system was installed. The cinema's first showing was a film by Charlie Chaplin, after a reel featuring, The Lion Eaters failed to arrive in time for the premiere. The cinema now includes two screens, with the back projection system still operating on screen one, the original auditorium. The Kinema in the Woods is believed to be the only cinema in the United Kingdom to still utilize a back-projection system. 

Until 1953, the original auditorium had traditional tip-up seats, except for the first six rows. They were occupied by deck chairs and fetched a premium price from moviegoers. 

Captain Carleton Cole Allport, was responsible for this amazing conversion and retained ownership until 1973. The new owner, James Green installed a historic three manual Compton Kinestra theater organ in 1987. Organ performances remain popular events at the venue. During weekend showings, the organ is often played during intervals. 

Related Tags

Cinema Theaters History Film

Know Before You Go

The cinema is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

For performances with allocated seating, reservations can be made in advance from the website. 

Several wheelchair spaces are avaliable and these can be booked directly with the venue. 

Community Contributors

Added By

Dr Alan P Newman

Edited By

jooniur, greggc80

  • jooniur
  • greggc80

Published

January 24, 2020

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  • http://stories-of-london.org/into-the-woods/
Kinema in the Woods
3 Coronation Rd
Lincolnshire, England, LN10 6QD
United Kingdom
53.155685, -0.213951
Visit Website
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Woodhall Spa Bath House

Lincolnshire, England

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire

England

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Woodhall Spa Bath House

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Photo of Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire

England

Places 9
Stories 3

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