The closure of the Fulham Road Picturehouse Cinema in southwest London has ignited outrage among local residents, including the well-known actor Hugh Grant. The cinema, which has been a staple in the community for nearly a century, is set to shut its doors for good, leaving a void in the neighborhood. Grant, who lives in close proximity to the cinema and is a frequent visitor, expressed his dismay at the news. His social media post lamenting the closure garnered support from other local celebrities who also shared his sentiments.
Joining Hugh Grant in his protest against the closure of the cinema are actors James Dreyfus and Michael Warburton, as well as broadcaster Terry Christian. Dreyfus, known for his roles in House of the Dragon, echoed Grant’s sentiments about the magic of growing up near a cinema. Warburton, who has appeared in Netflix’s The Strays, emphasized the importance of preserving these cultural landmarks, warning that once they are gone, they may never return. Christian shared his childhood memories of visiting the cinema and expressed a desire to see similar protection for cinemas as is seen in France.
The closure of the Fulham Road Picturehouse Cinema is part of a larger restructuring effort by its parent company, Cineworld. The company is looking to streamline its operations and renegotiate rental agreements in the face of financial losses incurred during the pandemic. As part of this restructuring, two other Picturehouse theaters in London are also set to close in the coming weeks. As the community grapples with the loss of a beloved cinema, the future use of the site remains uncertain.
The building that houses the Fulham Road Picturehouse Cinema is located in the Boltons Conservation area, adding an extra layer of complexity to its future use. Martin’s Properties, the owner of the building, has indicated a commitment to preserving the Art Deco facade of the cinema and is exploring options for retaining some form of cinema use on the site. The company is currently in the early stages of consultation with the local council and community to determine the best way forward for the historic building.
The closure of the Picturehouse Cinema in Fulham Road has sparked outrage and sadness among local residents and celebrities alike. The loss of this cultural institution highlights the challenges facing the cinema industry in the wake of the pandemic. As the community comes together to mourn the closure, efforts are underway to preserve the building and potentially retain some form of cinema use in the future. Only time will tell what the fate of this iconic cinema will be, but its closure serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local cinemas and cultural landmarks.