Happy 20th Birthday to the Electric Palace cinema!

Electric Palace’s 20th birthday celebration of cinema magic

Experience the magic of cinema by seeing an inspirational collection of cinema-themed films, chosen especially to mark The Electric Palace cinema’s 20th birthday this October, says Annie Waite.

The Electric Palace first opened its doors in October 2002. Twenty years on, thanks to such overwhelming community support, the cinema is still very much a part of the heart of Hastings Old Town, screening an eclectic mixture of films and putting on an array of special events.

Celebrate cinema on screen

As well as its usual programme of recent releases, the Electric Palace will be screening a selection of handpicked films that salute and convey the magic of cinema.

From 1993’s Joe Dante gem Matinee, to the cult ’80s drama The Last Picture Show, a B movie cinema-based classic The Tingler and Buster Keaton masterpiece Sherlock Jr, you’re invited to help make the cinema’s 20th celebrations extra special.

See these powerful cinema-themed films during October:

• The Cinephiles: Thursday 6 October, 11am & 7.30pm
  Imagine going to the cinema every single day! This group of retired women does just that to ease loneliness and forget the passage of time. A truly inspiring documentary.
• Matinee: Friday 7 October, 7.30pm
  As loving a homage to the romance of cinema-going as Cinema Paradiso. See this charming comedy that salutes the allure of the B-movie. Starring John Goodman and Naomi Watts.
• Buster Keaton Double Bill: Day Dreams and Sherlock Jr: Saturday 8 October, 7.30pm
  Buster Keaton on inimitable form in celebrated silent era masterpieces. A treat to see on the big screen!
• The Purple Rose of Cairo: Thursday 13 October, 11am & 7.30pm
  Woody Allen toys with reality and fantasy, meshing his trademark wit with cheerful audacity in this very cute film set in the film world.
• Demons: Friday 14 October, 7.30pm
  An intense, incredibly entertaining, heavy metal-infused slice of ’80s horror madness, where the victims have big hair and the monsters come down into the audience to bite your face off! Hosted by The Cult Film Club – Extreme.
• The Smallest Show on Earth: Sunday 16 October, 11am
  A love letter to independent cinemas, homely and snug with charm that money can’t buy. Sound familiar? See this heartwarming comedy classic starring Peter Sellers.
  

  The Tingler at the Electric Palace in October

• The Last Picture Show: Sunday 23 October, 11am
  Critically acclaimed, important cautionary tale to show what we lose when cinemas close.
• Escape from the Liberty Cinema: Sunday 30 October, 11am
  A multi-award winning feature, combining political satire and surreal humour, resulting in an enthusiastic manifesto for the freedom of the artist and humanity.
• The Tingler: Sunday 30 October, 7.30pm
  The B Movie Fan Club returns with a schlock creature B movie! A scientist discovers a parasite in human beings, called a “tingler”, which feeds on fear.

Book for all the Electric Palace events via its website.

The Electric Palace’s first 20 years

Rebecca Marshall holds Best Film Programming award for the Electric Palace

“We began in 2002 with some basic equipment, rather uncomfortable chairs and the tireless help and enthusiasm of friends, family and volunteers. Twenty years later we have grown from strength to strength and survived the pandemic,” says Electric Palace co-founder and director, Rebecca Marshall (pictured above).

The Electric Palace is proud to have spent many years participating in many Hastings community events, including Coastal Currents Arts Festival, Jack in The Green celebrations, Old Town Week and Hastings Fat Tuesday.

“We’ve also put on many events, seasons, and festivals, including Shot by the Sea, outdoor screenings, Summer Music Seasons hosted by comedy writer, music journalist and author David Quantick; the Formative Films series; the Book to Film Club; the Young Electrics film programmers group, and more besides,” Rebecca continues.

“We are particularly proud that for more than 20 years the cinema has played a huge role in providing a platform not only for filmmakers in Hastings to screen their work and gain audience feedback, but also for political and social debate around a wide range of issues from climate change to women’s rights, using films and documentaries as starting points,” says Rebecca.

“We hope you enjoy our month-long celebration of cinema to help mark our 20th anniversary – and here’s to 20 more years of film inspiration! Thank you so much for all your support,” says Annie Mannion, the Electric Palace’s marketing manager.

Share your Electric Palace memories

Please email marketing@electricpalacecinema.com with your memories about the cinema’s first 20 years to help celebrate its 20th anniversary.

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