"Bring
her to the Duke's, it's fit for a Duchess," was once the tagline for
this unique Picturehouse known as the Duke of York, and which is now one
hundred years old. The
Duke of York
was opened by the Mayor of Brighton on 22 September, 1910 (see photo
below) and has the distinction of being one of the oldest, purpose-built
picture palaces to have run continuously since its inception. Brighton
songwriter and musician, Nick Cave, has described this old Picturehouse, located at Preston Circus, as "The jewel in Brighton's crown."
Erupting from the roof of one of the towers is a pair of giant model
legs in striped stockings, thought to be of a can-can dancer. They
originated from the "Not the Moulin Rouge Theatre" in Oxford and now
provide a certain distinction to the fine, Grade II listed Brighton
building. The building has had its problems, too. The roof suffered from
leaking during 2007, and £25,000 was raised to restore it.
The Duke of York has also survived threats of demolition and more
than a few rock and punk concerts, described by the management as
"suffering various indignities."
The Origins of the Duke of York Picturehouse
The Picturehouse was erected on the site of a former brewery, Amber
Ale, and the building still retains the brewery's walls at the rear of
the auditorium. Its name came from The Duke of York in London because
the Picturehouse's first proprietor, Mrs. Melnotte-Wyatt, was associated
with it. Since then, it has passed through various owners.
The Brighton Film Festival is held here every year, organised by the Duke of York in partnership with the University of Brighton.
The Home of Arts and Classic Films
Since 1981, the Picturehouse, which seats 283 people, has been famous
for its wonderful arts, cult and classic films. A recent showing is Of Gods and Men a true account of a group of Cisterian monks in Algeria, who were
targeted by Islamic extemists. This beautiful film was the winner of the
Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, as well as being
France's official selection for the Oscars.
Senior citizens receive privileged treatment on Tuesday mornings,
with their own screening for a reduced price with a free cup of coffee and
biscuits, served personally by the box office clerk, while young parents
with their children get their turn on Wednesdays. At the top of the
building is a pleasant cafe/bar, where you can buy a drink, sit on the
balcony and admire the can-can dancer's kicking legs close up.
The Duke of York's is
committed to offering "a balanced cultural diet" and, indeed,
week-by-week, Brighton people have access to the very best in film
entertainment.
These are the qualities that make the Duke of York Picturehouse so
special: its friendliness, familiarity and accessibility and its utter
commitment to providing the best in high-quality entertainment to the
community, young and old.
Sources:
Website links, as above.
Brighton and Hove Cinemas, by Allen Eyles, The History Press, 2003.
Published by Suite101.com 21 December 2010.
