At last, the doors are about to open on the cinema in the heart of Rye. This Friday (January 16) is the big day for Kino Rye – younger sister to Kino Hawkhurst – and bookings by phone or online can be made from midday on Thursday for the five films that will be shown in the first week. It opens at 9am and will be showing films throughout the day, closing around 11pm.
I had a sneaky look four days before opening when it was still humming with construction workers, sound engineers, catering staff and Matt Breckon, managing director of Kino Digital, dashing about. But already it looked truly glossy and fabulous.
It’s light and bright, the stripped oak flooring, high ceiling and tall arched window reflecting its charismatic exterior – not at all like your typical cinema. The “foyer” is in reality a café/restaurant with licensed bar, dining area, squishy banquette seating lining one wall, a fire and atmospheric coloured lighting. Open stairs lead up to a mezzanine seating area with armchairs and low tables. The Kino is designed to make visitors want to sit and chill before or after catching a movie – or even if not catching a movie at all.
The blackboard menu was concealed but Breckon says the best way to describe it would be “light lunches with hot options”, together with drinks and “up-market” snacks. Gone are the days of popcorn or choc ices.
There are two film theatres: the Red Room seats 98 and the Blue Room 46. Both are chic – black walls and the plushest of seating – which immediately felt intimate and welcoming. The sound and picture experience is expected to be up there with the best, with high-spec equipment and, when I visited, acoustic specialists were busy testing the rich sound.
What’s on?
It all looks and feels good, but what of the films? We’ll be spoilt for choice as there’s not just one but five features to choose from – and they’ll be changing more or less on a weekly basis. The first five are: Testament of Youth, The Imitation Game, Paddington, Birdman and Winter Sleep. All have been highly acclaimed by critics – a couple have already won awards – and they certainly set the bar at a high level.
In addition to a wide range of blockbuster, foreign language, children’s and special interest films, Kino Rye will screen live satellite broadcasts from famous locations such as The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, The Royal Shakepeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and the National Theatre on London’s South Bank.
Membership
The basic costs and membership details are the same as for Kino Hawkhurst – and membership is valid at both venues:
- Single £40: 3 free tickets (5 if 60+); £1 discount for members and accompanying friends (based on standard price)
- Joint £50 (2 adults at same address): 4 free tickets (6 if 60+); £1 discount for members and accompanying friends (based on standard price)
Basic prices
- Before 3pm: adult £9.50; 16 & under / student / 60+ £8.50
- After 3pm: adult £10.50; 16 & under / student / 60+ £9.50
- First film of day (weekdays, excluding Tuesday), pre 10.30 start: £6.50
- Tuesday is 2–for-1 day, based on full ticket (not concession) price
- Double bill (two consecutive films): first film normal price, second film £6.50
These are a taster; a full list of prices is given under prices & conditions on the Kino Digital website.
Private functions
Kino is on the site of the former library and adult education centre and has involved a renovation of the Victorian buildings by Fletcher in Rye and Kino Digital. Outside is a landscaped terrace which gives a view of the church tower and roofscape. Key to the redevelopment, says Breckon, has been the renovation of the former art room, now a reception room with projector, screen, 5.1 surround sound system and its own bar and catering options – ideal for private functions, parties and special events.
Kino Rye, Lion Street, Rye, TN31 7LB. 01797 226293. Booking online and by phone opens midday Thursday January 15.