Incorporating seven days of FREE charity screenings between Monday 29th September up until Sunday 5th October 2008 inclusive.
Sally Wilton, who sold her business etc.venues, in a £21m transaction in 2006, is opening London’s first not-for-profit state of the arthouse digital cinema and community venue in the heart of Kensal Rise, NW10, this autumn 2008.
VIP launch night, Thursday 9th October 2008, in the presence of London’s gliterrati, will be hosted in conjunction with valued partners: namely Da Mario restaurant, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Sip drinks (more recently known for quenching the thirst of cinemagoers at the Sex & The City premiere) The Island Pub and Victoria Health (in alphabetical order). All proceeds from this venture will be covenanted to The Sustainability Institute, a thriving eco-village in the heart of South Africa’s Winelands area, just outside Cape Town.
The development of the Pinkham Lighthouse, incorporating The Lexi Cinema, as it will be affectionately known, has been a labour of passion for Sally and her team since the sale of etc.venues back in 2006 and the devastating impact of a local community literally torn apart by the NW London tornado that struck in the same year.
Previously an Edwardian Theatre, Pinkham Lighthouse is in the process of being transformed into a design-led 80-seater cinema house (including a private VIP gallery for 15) for both private and corporate use, synchronizing the past and present: reminiscent of the cinema house style of yesteryear coupled with sensory overload and design chic.
Surround sound will be provided by Munro Acoustics, who have been building recording facilities for 25 years. Clients, some of whom are the most successful names in film, music and television production, include Pinewood and Shepperton Studios and Elstree Studios UK. The Lexi Cinema’s auditorium acoustic system, has been designed by Munro Acoustics to meet the highest standards of Dolby Digital Cinema Sound.
The speaker system is custom designed, originally developed for feature film mastering - unique to any London cinema.
Bruce Munro, the international sculptor and lighting designer whose works have been exhibited at the V&A and will be shown at The Eden Project this November, has made two significant contributions to Pinkham. One is a magical chandelier for the centre of the auditorium. The second piece is a witty illuminated sculpture entitled ‘Gnasher’s Big Raspberry’ in keeping with the Pink theme, which will not fail to intrigue visitors as they enter the Foyer.
Sally Wilton says of the project: “I am delighted to be able to open the doors of Pinkham Lighthouse in October of this year: my 20 year dream has become a reality and I couldn’t have done this without my trusty cast and crew, many of whom are local residents, cinema aficionados and film experts. Pinkham Lighthouse is for all the family: young, old, groups and corporates alike, providing intimate space and imaginative daytime and evening programming which captures, entrances and enlightens.
“The Sustainability Institute, a project that is extremely close to my heart, is setting an educational precedent in a part of the world that understands the true meaning of hardship. I hope that the opening of the Pinkham Lighthouse can raise awareness within the UK and set a precedent here regarding the power of education and involvement – ‘involve me and I understand’ rings very true,” she added.
And to celebrate the opening, The Lexi Cinema is inviting cinema fans to come to the Pinkham Lighthouse for FREE for seven days of charity screenings, starting from Monday 29th September 2008. Programming during this week will include a mix of archive films, short film programmes, newer releases and some feel-good classics. And that is about As Good As It Gets – you might even get the chance to be Head of Popcorn for one night but you will need to come down to see us to find out more.
THE PINKHAM LIGHTHOUSE INCORPORATING THE LEXI CINEMA CONSISTS OF:-
• 1700sq ft of internal space
• An all-digital surround sound cinema for 80 people in total
• A private VIP viewing gallery for up to 15 people
• Corporate and venue hire options providing space for away days, product launches, conferences, board meetings and parties
• A bespoke speaker system in the auditorium – unique to any London cinema
• A small gift shop area and bar
• A Social Enterprise venture covenanting all profits to The Sustainability Institute in South Africa (
www.sustainabilityinstitute.net)
• Light installations created by the acclaimed artist Bruce Munro
• A creative and imaginative programme of films and theatrical and musical events
• Support for and from the local community to enhance quality of life and leisure for locals and visitors to the area alike.
FREE cinema seats are being given away for screenings between 29th September and Sunday 5th October 2008. Please call the Lighthouse before you come as we don’t want to disappoint you – The Lexi Cinema only has 80 seats – a perfectly formed small package. For more information log on to
www.pinkhamlighthouse.co.uk/www.thelexicinema.co.uk or contact Fernando Huerta, General Manager, at
fernando@pinkhamlighthouse.co.uk
Thursday 9th October is VIP/Media night only. For more information please contact miranda leslau pr (details below).
‘That’s all folks…’ for now as Bugs Bunny would say but do come and visit Pinkham Lighthouse soon to find out more.
194 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3JU.