Save the Prince Charles Cinema

The Prince Charles Cinema is an important institution in London's cultural life.

Sitting just off Leicester Square it is a very popular independent cinema which has far more interesting programming than the other usual cinema chains.


A 38 degrees petition has been started to save it, and at the time of posting it is approaching 150 000 signatures.

Details here from the PCC themselves.

The Prince Charles Cinema is not only a popular and successful local independent business with a large, loyal community of fans, but culturally important as perhaps the UK’s most famous cinema. We are renowned throughout the industry for our programme of over 850 films a year, spanning the history of cinema, across just two screens.We are one of the last remaining independent cinemas in central London, receiving no public funding and attracting over 250,000 customers a year at a time when the industry is struggling. As a significant local landmark, we act as an anchor institution for the Leicester Square community, as well as the wider film and creative sectors.

Under Section 26 of the 1954 Landlord and Tenants Act we are legally entitled to a new lease at market rates unless our landlord can prove certain very specific conditions. We applied for a new lease at the earliest possible opportunity with a reasonable rental offer based on the market analysis of two highly reputable specialist cinema surveyors, acting independently of each other. 

This new lease is not being provided currently, and there are concerns that the PCC could be forced to close at short notice.

Add your name to the petition.

The last time I went was to attend a screening of Jacques Tati's 'PlayTime' which was joyful.

‘The Prince Charles has a place in my heart. It’s the people, the programming, the accessibility, feeling, texture... you cannot go wrong. You also know that on any given day, you can close your eyes, press your finger to the programme, and you’ll hit something great. It’s like tuning into your favourite radio station.’ Paul Thomas Anderson

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