Cinema Then and Now
All ages

Discovering the Stories Behind the Screen

Tue 14 Apr · 11:00

An intergenerational talk, designed for all ages, from our smallest audience members right up to the wisest. Join us for a fun and engaging talk about the history of film and the heritage of the 'cosiest' cinema in Leeds alongside a very special screening from our friends at the Yorkshire and North East Film Archive.

Educational • Coming-of-age • Family

Part of reRUN

Part of Explore

Delve into the rich history of our grade II listed building with a fun and engaging talk about the only remaining gas-lit cinema in the country. Led by our Young Audience Officer, you'll learn about the local history of early film, the beginnings of cinema over 100 years ago and find out the answers to some surprising questions -

When did an elephant visit the cinema?

Where is the secret escape route?

Why do we have a cabinet of old rubbish?

Accompanying our talk, we are very lucky to be working with the Yorkshire and North East Film Archive who have put together a specially curated programme of archive footage looking at the theme of childhood in Leeds.

This event is part of our Explore Festival across Leeds Heritage Theatres. Join us for a  playful programme of film, performance and hands-on activities this April. More details coming soon!

Details

Duration

1hr

Director

Sylvia Barber

Featuring

Hyde Park Picture House • Yorkshire and North East Film Archive • An Elephant

Year

2026

Country of origin

Language

English

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Part of reRUN

Our regular classics strand, exploring the depths of cinema’s rich history. Some films may be familiar, others might become new favourites – everything is ripe for rediscovery on the big screen!

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