Leiston Film Theatre
Leiston Film Theatre is proudly Suffolk’s oldest continuously working, purpose-built cinema and has been delighting cinema-goers for well over a century. Showing all the latest films as well as being a plush and popular venue for concerts, shows and pantomimes, it is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike – and a Visitor Information Point too!
Back to the Future…
Established in 1914, as the ‘Leiston Picture House’, the historic film theatre is easily recognisable by its colourful façade and takes pride of place on Leiston High Street. It was Leiston’s enterprising Town Council which saved it from closure in 1976 and set about its loving restoration together with a strong team of enthusiastic supporters.
Today, this unique family-friendly 252 seat cinema has all those digital cinema system mod-cons carefully incorporated into the historic venue.
Choose from standard or premier seats and enjoy some special little extras too, like 3D screenings, even more generous leg-room and a table for your refreshments – or even a super-comfy ‘cuddle seat’ made for two!
Plan your visit What's OnWhat’s so special about the Leiston Film Theatre?
Ah, you choose…. A great selection of must-see films; a really friendly, personal welcome; beautifully traditional red and gold décor; Dolby Digital Surround EX sound; heavy drapes; 3D screenings; short rows and lots of leg room; easy access and good facilities…
Or maybe… Cuddle seats for extra comfort and special time-out; all the necessary for those snack- attacks; family film shows and free booster seats for junior movie-goers; an in-house Theatre Showbar for that relaxing drink; a friendly atmosphere and stage for live shows and community performances; a sense of somewhere authentic, cared for and loved.
Did you know..?
The idea for a permanent Leiston picture palace came from an employee at Leiston’s Garrett Works.
Mr Frank E. Walker, a senior employee, had noted the success of the travelling film shows which toured the area at the start of the century. He thought that moving pictures had a promising future!
Wonder what he’d make of today’s surround sound system and 3D screenings!
Other unique places to visit near me in Leiston
Got an hour or so to spare before the start of the film? Why not put Leiston’s historic cinema in context with a wander around the town’s heritage quarter or visit to The Long Shop Museum (site of the Garrett Works) to discover the fascinating backstory of this unique Suffolk company town?
