‘Positively enthralling and an experience I would most definitely come back for,’ said a local who had just heard about this captivating new experience and decided to come down to watch ‘Elvis’ starring Austin Butler with one of her good friends. Dominic Davies the Founder and CEO of Backyard Cinema quoted that ‘there is no better way to watch a movie this winter than to cosy up with your friends and family at Backyard Cinema,’ something that I can agree with wholeheartedly after experiencing it firsthand.

Backyard Cinema not only showcases a film on a magnificently large screen which you can watch on one of their iconic beanbag chairs, they elevated cinema to a whole other level by incorporating an interactive element to it which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. After feasting on an irresistible selection of food from The Other Side Fried or their famous Backyard Pizza, you could go into their retro cabaret tent bar, and treat yourself to live music, performances and drinks of your liking. The atmosphere from start to finish was alive and buzzing with energy, and this only heightened after entering the queue for the 1920s inspired steam train which was destined for the North Pole. Whilst waiting in line, my mum had a very enthusiastic conversation about polar bears and the misfortune of people who travelled to the South Pole with one of the elves. She commented on this, praising the actors for their ‘incredible ability to bring the idea of travelling to the North Pole to life.’

Once departing the train, however, a whole different scene was set, as we embarked into a room of mirrors and lights. Murmurs of fascination surrounded me, with one man commenting that it was ‘mesmerizing.’ We then embarked through to the cinema where we took our seats and were given a bag full of complimentary gifts such as popcorn, and a collector’s badge. Before the film started my mum mentioned how this reminded her so fondly of the one-on-one outings we used to have together when I was younger, which transported me back to my youth.

Although the film was phenomenal, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, the addition of the interactive experiences as well as the scenic décor they used to immerse all their guests into another world was astounding and elevated the whole experience to another level which I have never encountered in any kind of movie theater before. It’s shocking to think that what one started as a ‘passion project’ was able to be transformed into something so magical.

All in all, I would strongly recommend anyone looking for an alternative cinema experience to go down to Backyard Cinema for a night they will never forget. Look out for their new Halloween, Half Term and Christmas screenings, with films such as Beetlejuice, Elf and Love Actually being featured until January 5th 2023.

Grab a ticket before it’s too late at https://backyardcinema.co.uk/ and enjoy a night to remember.