Stars Rally for Kennington’s Cinema Museum This Autumn
A Kennington Landmark That Deserves Its Place
Most of us who live south of the river have walked past the old workhouse buildings on the edge of Kennington without giving them a second thought. Step inside the chapel that now houses the Cinema Museum, though, and you find one of the most unusual collections in London. Projectors from the early days of film sit beside posters, costumes and props, and the whole place feels like a time capsule that somehow ended up in our backyard. The building has a striking link to Charlie Chaplin, who spent part of his childhood in the workhouse system before he became the most recognisable face on screen. It is a reminder that the story of cinema is not only told in the glamour districts of the West End, where Soho’s old picture houses once buzzed with crowds. Some of its earliest chapters unfolded in places like this one, closer to home than most of us imagine. The museum has now won its legal fight to stay where it is, which is excellent news for everyone who values the area’s independent cultural life. The next challenge is raising the money to buy the building outright, so that the collection has a secure future. Losing it would leave a real gap in the neighbourhood, and in London’s visual heritage.
Famous Faces Lending Their Support
The museum has a surprisingly starry circle of friends, and this autumn several of them are giving their time to help raise funds. The programme kicks off on 31 October with a Halloween disco, where Toby Jones, familiar from Detectorists and Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and Ben Miles, who played Peter Townsend in The Crown, will be on the decks. Fancy dress is encouraged, so expect a lively night of costumes and dancing. On 1 November, First Scares brings Joanna Scanlan, Mark Gatiss and Lesley Manville together to talk about horror films, childhood fears and the stories that stay with us long after the credits roll. Tickets can be bought for one conversation or as a twofer for both. The following evening, critic Mark Kermode and composer Neil Brand explore film soundtracks, with a horror theme running through the night. Brand returns on 22 November to mark 100 years since Laurel and Hardy made their first film together. He will accompany a selection of lesser-known shorts, including You’re Darn Tootin’ (1928), with live improvised piano. For the volunteers and staff who keep the doors open, these evenings bring much-needed income and attention. They also show how much goodwill the museum has built among the people who make British film and television.
How Locals Can Help and What to Watch Next
If you live in Kennington, Oval, or the streets around them, the easiest way to support the museum is to buy a ticket. Every booking goes towards the building fund, and the Halloween disco is a fun way to meet neighbours on a weeknight without travelling far. If the First Scares or Laurel and Hardy evenings sell out, keep an eye on the museum’s listings, as it often adds extra dates or repeat screenings for popular events. You don’t need a celebrity line-up to visit, either. The museum runs guided tours and screenings throughout the year, which makes it a good choice for a wet weekend, a visiting relative or a family outing. Check the website before you set off, since times and availability change. Spreading the word matters just as much. Share the listings on local community pages, recommend the museum to friends, or leave a review, because small independent venues rely on word of mouth to reach people who have never heard of them. The campaign to buy the building is the next major milestone, and the museum is likely to post updates as donations come in. Many london attractions have struggled to hold on to their homes in recent years, so this is a case worth following closely. Watch this space, and maybe book a seat before the autumn programme fills up.
Source: Stars Rally for Kennington’s Cinema Museum This Autumn
The Cinema Museum in Kennington is a fascinating stop for film fans, so anyone planning to visit london this autumn should add it to their itinerary.
