111 Years Old – Happy Birthday Duke Of York’s!
(***Blows Party Whistle***)
Celebrating it’s 111 birthday this year, the beautiful Duke of York’s – a Grade II listed building – is a Brighton institution!
Did you know it’s been continuously operating since 1910!?! Fondly known for the 20-foot stockinged can-can dancer’s legs (from the Not The Moulin Rouge Theatre in Oxford), it’s colourful life journey has seen the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinema (as verified by the Cinema Theatres Association) go from Edwardian Picture Palace to ‘fleapit’ and back to a life as a cherished piece of Brighton history.
Built (for the princely sum of £3,000) by actress-manager Violet Melnotte-Wyatt on the site of the Amber Ale Brewery, whose walls remain at the rear of the auditorium – the venue has played host to illegal rock concerts and all manner of events. It’s current owner Picturehouse, bought the place in the early 90s and lovingly brought it back to it’s former glory for us all to enjoy!
Check out the venue here in the XYZ ‘IT’s On’ Brighton Guide for info about the venue and what’s showing now!
And don’t forget there’s food & drink available too, from fine wines, beers and spirits through to fair trade tea and coffee — choose from a range of different refreshments from the downstairs kiosk or the first-floor bar! Or grab some popcorn or some other snacks and treats, (like artisan cakes from Brighton’s Real Patisserie!). You can even surf the net with free Wi-Fi), or sunbathe on the terrace.
That there’s pretty much everything you need for a fantastic cinema-trip! Enjoy!
PS: Check out this awesome image of the cinema below….
We are 111 today! 🥳🎉🎈🍾
We wouldn’t be here without all the support from our wonderful community so thank you for continuing to create memories with us! We’ve got a lot of plans ahead but tonight we’re going to let our hair down and celebrate. pic.twitter.com/LYMos3hAML
— Duke of York’s (@DukeofYorks) September 22, 2021
