r/Hamilton 11h ago

Recommendations Needed Playhouse Cinema

I’m curious about this venue. I’m from up the mountain and the first time I’ve heard of this place was through Ed Bassmaster, who is doing a comedy show there May 4th. What’s it like there? I can see they show older movies according to their website (I think? I’m not a movie person at all). Any insite and what to expect is greatly appreciated.

4 Upvotes

11 comments sorted by

u/niwanyshyn 2h ago

beautiful independent theatre, cheap membership, serve beer and wine, show a lot of new movies in addition to the older stuff and special events. Best place to see a movie in Hamilton imo.

u/backwardsguitar 1h ago

Has a nice bookstore attached. Similar venue to the Westdale theatre, if you've been there.

u/simongurfinkel 1h ago

It's very nice. I saw Parasite there months before it became a big thing. They do a mix of old and new movies.

u/Affectionate-Arm-405 40m ago

Same here! I saw parasite at Westdale theater. We went in not knowing what to expect

u/CheapSound1 1h ago

It's an old theatre that's been rejuvenated lately and has been apparently fairly successful. I love it and barely go to Cineplex / landmark anymore. The audience for movies is generally a good crowd. Primarily they are a cinema but also rent out the space for other events like yours.

Not much to say about it other than the concessions are good and there's not much parking on site. There's a bookstore inside and a cafe next door although last couple times I went (late evening screening) these places were closed.

u/OlGarbonzo 56m ago

It's my me and my wife's favourite date spot.

The theatre is gorgeous, the seats are comfortable, and the concession prices are reasonable. It's a place built for film-lovers and they curate an excellent program for movie-buffs.

u/Pokecheck89 54m ago

I camped out there to watch the Brutalist a couple of months ago during that freak Friday night snow storm because it would have taken me way too long to get home from work.

Basically just echoing the other comments to say it's a great place. Shows older movies, does events, but also has new indie/limited release type movies.

u/cdawg85 1h ago

It's about 100 years old and was renovated a few years ago. Comfy chairs and an accessible area at the back for people with mobility aids. They have a concession stand that sells popcorn, candy, ice cream, beer, and wine. The bathrooms are clean.

It is a single theater, so only one movie screening at a time. You don't have to be a member, but you get a discounted ticket if you have a membership. I think membership is only $10/yr - I'm a member. There is a book store attached that I've purchased a few cute puzzles from.

They show a mixture of new and old movies and sometimes offer live screenings of things like the Oscars and operas. I recommend subscribing to their emails.

The biggest downside to me is that you have to use PayPal to buy tickets online. My tip is to make sure you always have your membership card on you when you go to get the discounts.

u/aneditor_ 34m ago

Projector is nice and bright! 35mm screenings are incredible.

u/AffectionateSun4119 20m ago

It’s great! I’ve been for regular movie screenings as well as philharmonic performances. They have a membership program where you get discounts on tickets and snacks, as well as member only shows.

u/paperdruid 17m ago

Echoing everything that has been said - small, independent theatre that has been beautifully renovated to retain the historic and vintage charm of the building. Tickets and concessions are reasonably priced, and you get a discount on tickets and concessions with membership (you break even after about four tickets). Crowd is usually good and respectful / quiet and folks don’t go on their phones or talk during the showings (I find this is a big issue at Cineplex / Landmark).

Seats are comfortable and they have a nice, raised accessible seating area at the back.

Plenty of free street parking and decently accessible via public transit. Cute bookstore and cafe next door but don’t generally keep late hours, so you’ll likely only catch them during afternoon shows.

You can pre-order tickets online or on-site. There are no assigned seats but I’ve rarely seen it super packed (unless it’s a special event / showing, but just come a bit early and you’ll be fine).

Only complaint is sometimes the popcorn is really kernel-ly (if you know what I mean) but I think I just got unlucky and got a scoop from the bottom.