Hastings' Electric Palace Cinema celebrates 20 years

Electric Palace staff and supporters - pic by Peter Mould

The Electric Palace Cinema in Hastings Old Town is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Spokeswoman Annie Mannion said the cinema was marking the birthday with a collection of screenings all about the magic of cinema: “The Electric Palace cinema in Hastings Old Town first opened its doors in October 2002. Twenty years on, thanks to such overwhelming community support, the Electric Palace is delighted to still be in operation, screening an eclectic mixture of films and putting on an array of special events. This October the cinema is looking forward to welcoming you to celebrate its 20-year anniversary. As well as its usual programme of recent releases, the directors have selected a collection of films that salute and convey the magic of cinema. From 1993's Joe Dante gem Matinee, to the cult 80s drama The Last Picture Show, a B Movie cinema-based classic The Tingler and Buster Keaton masterpiece Sherlock Jr, the Electric Palace invites you to come along to help make its 20th celebrations extra special.”

Among the cinema-themed films to be shown during October are The Cinephiles, Matinee, Buster Keaton Double Bill: Day Dreams and Sherlock Jr; The Purple Rose of Cairo, Demons, The Smallest Show on Earth, The Last Picture Show, Escape from the Liberty Cinema and The Tingler

Electric Palace co-founder and director Rebecca Marshall said: “We began in 2002 with some basic equipment, rather uncomfortable chairs and the tireless help and enthusiasm of friends, family and volunteers. Twenty years later we have grown from strength to strength and survived the pandemic with the help of our treasured community. The Electric Palace is proud to have spent many years participating in many community events, including Coastal Currents Arts Festival, Jack in The Green celebrations, Old Town Week and Hastings Fat Tuesday.

“The cinema has also created many events, seasons and festivals including Shot by the Sea, outdoor screenings, Summer Music Seasons hosted by comedy writer, music journalist and author David Quantick; the Formative Films series; the Book to Film Club; the Young Electrics film programmers group and more besides. We are particularly proud that for more than 20 years the cinema has played a huge role in providing a platform not only for film-makers in Hastings to screen their work and gain audience feedback, but also for political and social debate around a wide range of issues from climate change to women’s rights, using films and documentaries as starting points. We hope you enjoy our month-long celebration of cinema to help mark our 20th anniversary. The Electric Palace needs your continued support. The Electric Palace reopened earlier this year in March, after the effect of soaring Covid infections forced the cinema to close for a few months, while it sought support from a Crowdfunding campaign. Overwhelming community support enabled the cinema to reopen its doors, but it still needs you to attend regular screenings.”