Why Tyneside cinema can survive as time passed by?
Tyneside cinema, as a significant part of memories of thousands of residents in the city, has been running for more than 80 years. Even experiencing redundancy and closure, witnessing the collapse of many once popular cinemas in the area, it still stands on the Pilgrim Street, watching people grow up from playful kids to gray hair. It creates a bridge for audiences to feel the atmosphere and see our wonderful planet when they first open their arms to explore the world.
It’s hard to run an independent cinema only by nostalgic feelings and memories. It keeps changing, from a news theatre to a cinema, from a cinema to a community.
From independent films to main stream films, from Japanese animation to documentaries, Tyneside is trying to be inclusive and diverse to welcome more audiences. Matching with more activities like political discussions, talks and Q&As, a sense of community has been passed to the audiences.
“We almost exclusively showing independent films, sometimes with talks and Q&As with directors, people are really engaged with conversations,” Andrew Simpson, the film programme director of Tyneside cinema said, “But we only have limited fund to support the work we do. We also need to select a certain amount of more commercial work in order to make money across the year.” As a programmer, Andrew’s work is about achieving the balance.
Richard Archer has been a loyal member of the cinema for years and years since he was 10. “It has good range of films. Sometimes you can see films from all over the world. It always brings new things to me. I used to bring my students to come when I was a teacher,” he laughed.
As it says “not just a cinema”, it’s not a place that people come and leave in a rush, instead, many audiences usually have a drink in coffee room or the bar inside and outside the cinema, read newspaper and have a peaceful afternoon.
The Tyneside Bar opened six years ago. However, it’s has been another attraction for people to enjoy the community life.
Gary Philipson who has lived in Newcastle for more than 30 years said what attracts him to go to the cinema is actually the Tyneside bar. “It’s nice to come, I love the multiplex atmosphere very much. And it’s also important to support independent business in the area,” he said.
“It’s a really cosy place and I particularly like its casualness. You can have a wine and lovely sandwich here. It’s also a place for birthday parties and weddings. It’s almost about everything,” said Stephen Alliott, a regular audience.
“Tyneside is an intrinsic part of the fabric in the city and community. We have been here for 81 years and it’ll be here for another 81 and longer. Get audiences excited and give them excellent and unique film experiences here is the proudest thing to do,” Andrew said with smile.
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The Tyneside Cinema: the classic
Outside The Tyneside Bar
The Square Q&A with Claes Bang