London’s independent cinema scene is facing a major crisis as the beloved Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square fights for survival. A staple of film culture in the city for decades, the cinema is now under threat, prompting an urgent campaign to secure its future. Supporters have rallied behind a petition to Save the Prince Charles Cinema, which has already garnered significant public backing.
The Prince Charles Cinema isn’t just another movie theatre—it’s an institution. Known for its diverse programming, including cult classics, independent films, and interactive screenings, it has long been a haven for film lovers who crave an alternative to mainstream multiplexes. With affordable ticket prices and a unique atmosphere, it has played host to everything from sing-along screenings of The Sound of Music to all-night marathons of Lord of the Rings and everything in between.
Beyond its film offerings, the Prince Charles Cinema is a cultural hub, bringing cinephiles together and creating an unmatched community spirit. Losing it would not only be a blow to London’s film scene but also to the city’s independent arts landscape as a whole. Additionally, the cinema serves as an economic engine for the West End, drawing visitors from across London and beyond who also support local shops, restaurants, and businesses.
The Prince Charles Cinema is facing a serious threat from its landlords, Zedwell LSQ Ltd and their parent company, Criterion Capital. They have insisted on including a break clause in the cinema’s new lease, which would allow them to evict the cinema with just six months’ notice should they receive planning permission to redevelop the site. This demand has left the cinema’s future in serious jeopardy.
The Prince Charles Cinema, which receives no public subsidy, has thrived as an independent venue since its transformation from a live theatre into a cinema in the mid-1960s. It has built a reputation for its unique, carefully curated programming, making it one of London’s most beloved cultural institutions.
The demand for a break clause is seen as a clear attempt to push the cinema out, despite its legal entitlement to a new lease. The cinema’s management and supporters believe this is an unfair move by Zedwell LSQ Ltd and Criterion Capital, using their financial resources to pressure the venue into accepting unreasonable terms. If this clause remains, the cinema could be forced to close as early as September 2025, with little time to find an alternative.
We are joining the call on Zedwell LSQ Ltd and Criterion Capital to withdraw the break clause immediately and engage in fair negotiations to ensure that the Prince Charles Cinema can continue to operate for years to come—without the looming threat of eviction.
How You Can Help
The campaign to Save the Prince Charles Cinema is gaining momentum, and supporters are encouraged to take action:
- Sign the Petition – A petition on 38 Degrees has been launched to demonstrate the public’s demand to keep the cinema alive. You can sign it here: Save the Prince Charles Cinema.
- Spread the Word – Share the campaign on social media and encourage friends, family, and fellow film lovers to support the cause.
- Attend Screenings – Show your support by buying tickets and experiencing the magic of the Prince Charles Cinema firsthand.
- Contact Decision-Makers – The petition will be sent to Zedwell LSQ Ltd, Criterion Capital, and the Mayor of London. If you have suggestions for other key decision-makers who should be involved, let the campaign know.
A Fight Worth Fighting
The Prince Charles Cinema is more than just a place to watch films—it’s a community, a cultural landmark, and a vital part of London’s cinematic history. As filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson put it:
“The Prince Charles has a place in my heart. It’s the people, the programming, the accessibility, feeling, texture… you cannot go wrong. You also know that on any given day, you can close your eyes, press your finger to the programme, and you’ll hit something great. It’s like tuning into your favourite radio station.”
We can’t let this iconic venue be lost to corporate greed and short-term profit. With enough public support, we can protect the Prince Charles Cinema for generations to come.
Sign the petition. Spread the word. Save the Prince Charles Cinema.
#SaveThePCC
