When I was told of the concept of Secret Cinema - you buy expensive tickets to a film; you're not told where it is; you're not told what the film is; oh, and you have to dress up... I have to admit we weren't overly keen. It's probably to do with an association of visiting the cinema in secret with those slightly seedy picture palaces in Soho.

We needn't have been apprehensive though - our attendance at Secret Cinema was nothing short of brilliant and arguably our best night out in London.

It is, we must admit, rather daunting to pay for to see a film that you don't know anything about (although the SC fans on facebook regularly guess the film in advance to allow punters a more informed purchase) before dressing up on a theme and then trekking across London to a random location (screenings take place in cinemas, warehouses, old theatres - any where there's a large open space).



Sally takes this secrecy thing too far

When you get to the pre-determined meeting place you realise that Secret Cinema is more than just a film screening - it is a new reality. There are normally dozens of actors lining the street playing parts from the film - to set the ambiance and make you feel like you're in the movie.

Inside the makeshift theatre you can get food (hotdogs, popcorn...etc) and drink to keep you satisfied during the entertainment - which is many and varied. Before the screening you'll often get acts (music/dance/comedy...etc). The screening itself is the most relaxed showing I've ever seen with people happily laughing and chatting along but seemingly not irritating (as it would be in most cinemas).

If all of that wasn't enough, after the screening they often have a DJ to turn the theatre into a club and have you raving late into the night.

Definitely worth going to their monthly screenings - you won't be disappointed. Just remember to tell no one.

http://www.secretcinema.org/