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One of London’s most beautifully appointed cinemas, Riverside Studios is perched on the banks of the Thames at Hammersmith. It closed for redevelopment in September 2014 but it’s back with a bang next month. On February 7, the one-time iron foundry, TV studio (it was once home to ‘TFI Friday’), cinema and arts space reopens as a state-of-the-art film complex. (The centre’s theatre space opened this week with a stage adaptation of Ingmar Bergman’s ‘Persona’.)
The new Riverside Studios will have two screens: the first is a 208-seater that will be familiar to moviegoers as the old steep-sided cinema; the other is a smaller 46-seat screen. They both come with all the bleeding-edge bells and whistles, including Dolby 7.1 surround sound, 4K projectors and Figueras seating. No, we don’t know what that is either but it sounds comfy.
Photograph: Victor Frankowski
The new programming philosophy is described as ‘captivating and diverse’ with an international leaning. ‘The cinemas are a vital part of the mix of this unique complex where film sits alongside theatrical performance, exhibitions and television,’ says Riverside’s artistic director, William Burdett-Coutts. ‘[We aim to appeal] to our local community, but also to cinemagoers from around London. We are a building where you can have a good night out with a meal and a show.’
Sure enough, the cinema opens with screenings of ‘Parasite’ and ‘The Lighthouse’ – which equates to ten Time Out stars’ worth of movie genius. To book a Figueras seat at one – or both – head to the official site.
What are London’s favourite cinemas? Find out here.