New town centre cinema takes shape alongside Royal & Derngate

Northampton’s newest cinema, the Errol Flynn Filmhouse is taking shape adjacent to the theatre’s Derngate auditorium. Named after the Hollywood legend who spent his early acting career with the Northampton Repertory Company, at the Royal Theatre, the cinema is the first of the Northampton Alive regeneration projections to near completion. 

The building, designed by architects One 17, is now watertight and has been finished with its distinctive cedarwood cladding, and work has now moved on to fitting out the interior. Landscaping work will be starting shortly, greatly enhancing the surrounding area, creating a welcoming environment. 

 Errol Flynn

 In 1933 Errol Flynn secured an acting job with the Northampton repertory company at the town's Royal Theatre (now part of Royal & Derngate), where he worked for seven months. Northampton's new art-house cinema. The Errol Flynn Filmhouse is named after him.


Managed by Royal & Derngate, in partnership with Cityscreen, the leading independent cinema operator in the UK, the Errol Flynn Filmhouse will screen the very best in world, independent, British and mainstream film, broadening the range of films available in the town centre to the discerning Northamptonshire movie-goer. 

The 90-seat cinema will offer an unrivalled experience. Audiences will enjoy state of the art sound and digital film projection from the comfort of luxurious leather seating, with side tables, allowing them to sample a wide-range of continental beers and wine and delicious food, all delivered with first class service. 



Along with additional events such as film-maker Q&A sessions, film festivals and themed seasons, there are plans to have specialised screenings, for example of matinee showings for the over 60s or baby friendly screenings. The cinema will also be available to hire for private screenings.

Baby friendly screenings.

The cinema is due to open in June, and members of the public can follow the progress of the build, captured on a webcam, by going to http://cinecam.namtrust.co.uk. The cinema development is part of a wider scheme, Northampton Alive, an initiative that brings together and promotes the town’s regeneration and heritage projects.

Work Starts On New Royal & Derngate Cinema Project

Work has commenced on the construction of a new cinema adjoining Royal & Derngate, with a ground-breaking ceremony.

Managed by Royal & Derngate, in partnership with Cityscreen, the leading independent cinema operator in the UK, this new venture will host the very best in world, independent, British and mainstream film, broadening the range of films available in the town centre to the discerning Northamptonshire movie-goer. The 90-seat cinema will have state of the art sound and digital projection equipment. It will benefit from luxurious leather seating, with individual side tables, allowing audiences to enjoy a glass of wine as they watch a film.

Along with additional events such as film-maker Q&A sessions, film festivals and themed seasons, there are plans to have specialised screenings, for example of matinee showings for the over 60s or baby friendly screenings.

Guests at the ceremony included Cllr David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council, and Joanna Dring, Carlsberg’s External Communications Manager. The cinema is expected to open in late spring 2013, and members of the public can follow the progress of the build, captured on a webcam, by going to http://cinecam.namtrust.co.uk.

Cllr David Mackintosh,

 Leader of Northampton Borough Council

The cinema development is part of a wider scheme, Northampton Alive, an initiative that brings together and promotes the town’s regeneration and heritage projects. Cllr Mackintosh said,

 “The Cinema will strengthen Northampton’s arts and entertainment offer and will be at the heart of the development of a new cultural quarter, which will revitalise the St John’s area and give a wide range of people even more reason to come to the town. Having a vibrant cultural scene is important to the bigger picture of regeneration and I’m pleased that we will soon have such an interesting and high quality new attraction.”

Martin Sutherland Chief

 Executive of Royal & Derngate 

Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Royal & Derngate commented:

 “We are delighted that construction is now getting started on the new cinema. We hope that this will be a wonderful new facility for the people of Northampton. We are grateful to all our supporters who have helped bring forward our plans.”

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