Each week we ask a reader to tell us about where they go to watch films. Today, the location for the British premiere of Reservoir Dogs
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Location
Located on the corner of Broad Street, in the heart of trendy Hockley, adjacent to the Lace Market. The area isn't hard to miss, its spidery streets speckled with an eclectic mix of independent shops and bars, leading you right to the front steps of the Broadway.
The building
At first glance, the shape and design of the building, with its intricate and architecturally modern exterior, looks quite imposing and sterile. However, the Broadway is steeped in history dating all the way back to 1806, when it began its life as the Wesleyan Chapel.
The building had a major refurbishment in 2006, expanding from two to four screens, including an auditorium designed by none other than Paul Smith. In this, a chocolate-and-multicolour stripe graces the fabric of 35 "love seats". With room for approximately 68 people, this screen is as cosy as it is intimate, unique yet comfortable without being too pretentious and all … designer–y, you know?
Having said that, the Broadway can hold its own against larger multiplexes, with screens one and two seating 337 and 130 people, respectively. Worth mentioning is the old-school stage curtain in screen one, which rolls up as the film starts, as well as the polka-dotted stairs, giving the interior of the building a more bohemian and vintage feel. As well as the cinema, the Broadway houses a cafe-bar and a mezzanine bar.
Clientele
Anyone and everyone: from seasoned filmgoers, to aspiring film-makers looking to hone their craft, to students looking for a warm place to rest after trawling the vintage shops in Hockley. You will find people from all walks of life here, and that's what makes the Broadway so unique – the broad array of films and events ensure the cinema is accessible to young and old alike, including those with special needs, as well as supporting local film-makers with a range of projects and courses. If you live in or around Nottingham and haven't been to the Broadway, you're missing out.
Other notable visitors include Shane Meadows and Quentin Tarantino, who held the British premiere of Reservoir Dogs here in 1992.
Programme
The cinema features a mixture of mainstream, art-house and documentary films, with a decent number of cult classics thrown in. The best thing about the Broadway is that you can rely on it to show great little obscure releases when every other cinema in the Midlands is only showing the big blockbusters. If you're a horror fanatic, the Mayhem Horror film festival, running from the end of October, should be in the "Do not miss" part of your diary. Bollywood films get a run, as do kid-friendly oldies such as The Lion King.
Further comments
For me, what makes the Broadway so special is their obvious dedication and love for film. Sometimes big cinema chains can focus too much on "creating" the perfect viewing experience – with, for example, their VIP lounges and pre-entry for special ticket holders – which often falls a bit short of the type of experience they are going for. The Broadway creates an environment that is unique yet comfortable without trying too hard. I have spent quite some time during my student years having lively debates with friends about the films we saw there, or holed up in the cafe with my laptop working away on an assignment, a steady supply of coffee on the go. It has been a crucial induction to the city of Nottingham for me and many others I have met over the years, and one of those rare gems Nottingham should feel proud to have.
It's a great cinema, in a great location, with a warm atmosphere that feels like snuggles on a wet winter's day. Just go and see for yourself.
The Twitter view
Wonderful cinema in the heart of Nottingham city centre. Great film choices and a screen decorated with Paul Smith stripyness
I regularly travel 40m and back to go to the @BroadwayCinema. Lovely place, great choice, well behaved viewers and 'Reel' ale!
Interestingly unique film selection, characterful and comfy screening rooms and great food!
More than just a cinema with a bar, it's where you go in Nottingham if you love watching, talking about or learning about film
Swish, modern & comfortable cinema with a nice bar and a great eye for independent films.
Is there a cinema you love (or hate) that you think our readers should know about? If you're interested in reviewing a cinema, email adam.boult@guardian.co.uk with the subject line "Cine-files".
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2012/jul/24/cine-files-broadway-nottingham
Alejandro González Iñárritu Alejandro Jodorowsky Alejandro Springall Aleksandr Dovzhenko
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