“It’s my happy place” commented a friend as we were discussing our recent respective cinema trips, and the positive impact of the Picturehouse cinema opening a year ago.

The epic journey to open the cinema began back in the more innocent world of 2016 when Picturehouse were revealed as the operator of the Northgate development cinema. Originally scheduled to open in 2019 , the collapse of House of Fraser delayed the Northgate scheme, followed by the pandemic and the financial woes of parent company Cineworld. Lying empty when the Market made it’s triumphant arrival in 2022, many feared that multi screen cinema would never return to Chester. Yet Picturehouse persevered and the doors opened on the 6 screen Wes Anderson inspired venue in November 2023.

Back in the golden days of cinema , moviegoers were spoilt for choice with multiple picture houses on offer. These included the historic Music Hall on St Werburgh street ( now Superdrug) and the ABC on Foregate street , also a convert venue where the Rolling Stones memorably escaped via the rooftops ( became Brannigans then Cafe Nero). The site where Primark now stands used to house the Classic Cinema until it was demolished in the 1970s to make way for a C&A. The first “super cinema” (with seats for nearly 2000 people) was the Gaumont which later became Mecca Bingo. Odeon came to Chester in 1936 in their iconic art deco building, lasting 71 years before closing in 2007. After ten years the Odeon made it’s amazing transformation into Storyhouse , featuring a bespoke cinema at the heart of the venue which soon established a loyal fanbase .

The Odeon had been my happy place as a teen, buying a pic n mix from the neighbouring market and then escaping into other worlds. Gladiator (2000) was my favourite, so much that I saw it 3 times at the Odeon, with it’s vivid depiction of ancient Rome and iconic dialogue burning into my mind for all time. Years later I even added a Lego Maximus to the market Lego display.

Storyhouse kept me going for a while until the pandemic and health problems stopped me going to the cinema. As soon as the Picturehouse opening was confirmed I signed up as a member, please by the show of confidence and belief in our city, echoed now by the recent influx of new retailers. I soon became a regular cinemagoer leaning back in the reclining teddy bear textured seats and once again escaping from an angry world and the need to check my phone and social feeds every 5 minutes. The custom decor unique to Chester gave the venue a retro glamour and is, like the city itself very “Instagram-able”.

Thanks to Picturehouses’ members film club and Rediscover strand I’ve seen many films I wouldn’t have previously considered, including refugee drama Green Border , 1953’s It Came from Outer Space ( in 3D) and the classic Sideways. That screening concluded with some foul mouthed patrons being memorably ejected from the screening.

The easy access and location as well as a functioning app has meant I’m going to the cinema more frequently than I ever have in my life. In spite of the unstoppable rise of streaming , I know that when I’m watching a film at home, I’m also watching my phone at the same time. Nothing can beat that feeling when the lights dim.One time I accidentally saw Star Trek 3 after forgetting I owned it on DVD.

What I’ve also enjoyed is the community feel of the cinema. This has included film programming in support of the Green Weekend and Chester Pride, as well as Chester Film Society making the venue their new home. In the summer the venue hosted a Chester Heritage festival event and more recently the first ever screening of University graduation services for those who couldn’t fit inside the Cathedral. Team ups with local businesses include the Deva Roman Experience and The Dead Good Ghost Tour/North West End acting school, who collaborated on a sold out Halloween event. Personally the cinema has become a hub where I have met friends and carried out interviews for this blog.

It was fitting that last weekend I saw Gladiator 2 , 24 years after my Odeon experiences, a showing that was supported by another local collaboration, this time with the Grosvenor with objects from historic Deva. You wouldn’t get that at Cheshire Oaks or Broughton!

The best film I’ve seen here was The Holdovers and Napoleon was the worst. I also happily skipped Joker 2.

Thanks for being my happy place!

“Everybody has something that chews them up and, for me, that thing was always loneliness. The cinema has the power to make you not feel lonely, even when you are.”

Tom Hanks