The Prince Charles Cinema has announced that it has secured its future after a long-running battle with its landlord.
The independent picture house said it had signed a 25-year lease that would allow “our projectors will keep rolling for years to come”.
Cinema management had said the landlords originally wanted a break-clause in its lease which would require it to leave within six months if the site were to be redeveloped.
They also claimed it was demanding rent “at a level which no cinema proprietor would consider reasonable.”
The row had spilled over into a lengthy and costly legal battle between the Prince Charles Cinema and Criterion, until Thursday’s surprise announcement.
In a statement published on X, the West End cinema said: “The Prince Charles Cinema is thrilled to announce that we have signed a new 25-year lease with no break clause, ensuring our projectors will keep rolling for years to come.
“After 21 months of uncertainty, we’re delighted to have secured the future of the cinema, and we couldn’t have done it without the support, commitment and belief of many, many people.”
The two-screen picture house, one of the few independents left in central London, had been backed by a slew of famous Hollywood directors and actors in its fight to remain in the building it has occupied for decades.
Quentin Tarantino, director of cult classics such as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, cited it as his favourite UK cinema, while 28 Days Later director Danny Boyle said “London will die a little death” if the site was forced to shutter.
Other famous backers include The Odyssey director Christopher Nolan and Irish actor Paul Mescal.
Director Danny Boyle had voiced support for The Prince Charles Cinema
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The Prince Charles was built as a theatre in 1961 before becoming a cinema in the mid-60s, gaining a cult following for its bohemian choice of films.
It is known for its quirky selection of films, including all-nighters dedicated to Lord of the Rings, and the Jurassic Park series, as well as foreign language films not shown elsewhere and seasonal events.
Fans are known to attend in fancy dress for its sing-a-long showings of musical films such as Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dirty Dancing and The Greatest Showman.
It sells around 250,000 tickets a year.
In its social media post, cinema management thanked supporters for their backing, including those who flocked to sign a petition against the initial new lease terms.
“To every one of the 168,645 people (and counting) who signed the petition and ensured we never felt outnumbered,” the cinema continued.
“To the Soho Society who recommended that Westminster Council officially designate us an Asset of Community Value, and the Council who did so.
Prince Charles Cinema has faced years of closure threats
PrinceCharlesCinema
“To the members of the media who championed our cause in such a positive way, often including their own experiences, acting as a welcome reminder as to why we exist.
“To the global community of filmmakers, producers, actors, writers and everyone else in between.
“And above all, to our phenomenal staff who have kept things going without missing a beat, and the army of film-lovers who keep coming through our doors, proving that the magic of a cinema is truly the community that shares the movies it presents.“We are so incredibly thankful to each and every one of you.
“You have all placed your trust in us, and as we continue on for at least another 25 years, we promise to never forget that. We’ll be right here.”
Criterion has been approached for comment by The Standard regarding the cinema’s lease update.
A spokesperson for Criterion had previously denied any intimidation, saying it valued the cinema and would work with it to reach agreement on the lease.
Criterion Capital and its subsidiaries own and manage property in central London, including large chunks of the West End, and is ultimately controlled by millionaire developer Asif Aziz.