Ultimate Picture Palace

About

The Ultimate Picture Palace is Oxford’s oldest and only independent cinema. The cinema is run by a small team of film fanatics who pick the programme, screening only the best mainstream, indie, foreign-language, and documentary films, alongside a regular season of classics. They also have special events including director Q&As, expert talks, charity fundraisers, and live music (sometimes as an accompaniment to the film!).

The art deco one-screen auditorium has 108 seats and a small bar at the back serving drinks and snacks for customers to take to their seats before the start of the film. They don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers for upcoming films and then straight into the main feature. The UPP are open every day of the week for two evening screenings, with afternoon matinees on Saturday, Sunday and Thursday. They also have Baby Club (for mothers and babies under 1) every other Thursday.

Working at a cinema is a bit of a dream job, but working at Oxford’s only independent cinema is even better! I love the history of the UPP, I love the fact that we can completely do our thing (no adverts being a massive bonus), and I love that our customers have a really great relationship with the staff and volunteers who run the place. Watching loads of films as a perk of the job isn’t bad either!

-Tom Jowett