Toby Jones DJs Halloween Disco at Kennington’s Cinema Museum
A Workhouse Chapel That Became a Cinema Time Capsule
Tucked away on Dugdale Street in Kennington, the Cinema Museum occupies the chapel of the former Lambeth Workhouse, the same institution where a young Charlie Chaplin spent time as a boy. Walking through its doors feels like stepping into a working archive of the film industry, with projectors, costumes, posters and memorabilia gathered over decades. For many of us south of the river, it is one of those places we mean to visit and never quite get round to, which makes its current fight all the more pressing. The museum has spent a difficult period uncertain about its future. It has now won a legal battle that lets it stay in its home, but the campaign is not over. The remaining task is raising enough money to buy the building outright, so that the museum can never be displaced again. That goal matters beyond film enthusiasts. Kennington has a rich local heritage, and a building with this history, still in active use, anchors the area’s sense of identity. Losing it would mean losing a piece of the neighbourhood’s story. Readers in Richmond and Hounslow will also find it an easy trip for a day out, and the museum’s supporters come from across London. If you have a connection to the building or the history of the workhouse, the trustees are likely to welcome your memories and your support.
Famous Faces Turn Out for Halloween and Beyond
The fundraising push has drawn a remarkable line-up. On 31 October, actor Toby Jones, known for Detectorists and Mr Bates vs The Post Office, will spin records at a Halloween disco alongside Ben Miles, who many viewers will recognise as Peter Townsend in The Crown. Costumes are encouraged, and the event promises a playful evening in a space that rarely hosts dancing. The programme continues on 1 November with First Scares, a double bill of conversations with actors including Joanna Scanlan, Mark Gatiss and Lesley Manville. The talks explore horror films, childhood fears and the scenes that stay with us long after the credits roll. Sessions can be booked individually or as a pair, which suits anyone who wants a full evening of spooky discussion. On 2 November, film critic Mark Kermode joins composer and broadcaster Neil Brand for Mark Kermode is Horrified, a discussion of film soundtracks that is likely to focus on the scores that make horror so unsettling. Brand returns on 22 November for Neil Brand’s Evening with Laurel and Hardy, marking 100 years since the comedy duo first starred together. The screening features lesser-known shorts, including You’re Darn Tootin’ (1928), The Finishing Touch (1928) and The Second Hundred Years (1927), with Brand providing live improvised piano. For the museum, these names bring visibility and donors. For local audiences, they offer a rare chance to see household faces in an intimate setting.
How Residents Can Help and What to Watch Next
For those of us who live nearby, the most direct way to help is simply to attend. Ticket sales from these events feed directly into the building fund, so every booking counts toward the goal of securing the site permanently. If you cannot make one of the special nights, the museum runs regular guided tours and screenings throughout the year, and these are an affordable way to support the venue while learning about its collection. Check the museum’s listings before you go, as session times and availability can change, and popular events may sell out quickly. Donors interested in the finances behind the campaign should ask the trustees how contributions are recorded and reported. Clear, transparent accounting is what turns goodwill into lasting trust, and it is reasonable for supporters to expect it. Beyond your own visit, spreading the word matters. Share the event listings with friends, family or local community groups, especially those who may not know the museum exists. Keep an eye on the coming weeks: the Halloween disco and the First Scares sessions are the first of several highlights, and the 22 November Laurel and Hardy evening marks a centenary that film lovers will not want to miss. Whether the campaign reaches its target will depend on how many of us choose to show up.
Source: Toby Jones DJs At A Halloween Disco, As Celebrities Come Out In Force For Cinema Museum
