Discover the remarkable cinematic heritage hidden within Camden Town's streets. While the neighbourhood is renowned for its music scene, this guided walking tour uncovers a fascinating legacy of lost and surviving cinemas that shaped local entertainment culture.
Led by Nigel Smith, a film historian who specialises in London's cinema heritage, the tour traces the extraordinary journey of iconic venues. You'll explore the grandeur of the Camden Hippodrome, the cult status of the Plaza cinema that flourished during the 1980s and 90s, and the quirky independent character of the Camden Odeon. The walk also pays tribute to Jim Henson, creator of the Muppet Show, and examines how these cultural landmarks transformed – from music halls and variety theatres to roller-skating rinks and bingo halls.
The tour explores the pivotal forces that reshaped cinema-going: the rise of television, the video boom, and urban development. The journey concludes at Curzon, Camden's award-winning contemporary cinema, celebrating independent and foreign films and demonstrating cinema's enduring relevance in the neighbourhood.
