Elephant & Castle – Theatre and Cinema around the area

It’s the childhood home of famous theatrical faces like Charlie Chaplin and Michael Caine, and has been a documented home to serious theatre, comedy and the arts since the late 17th century. The arts are becoming even more accessible in Elephant & Castle today, whether that’s theatre or cinema, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best venues in Elephant & Castle to visit. 

59a Bethwin Rd, Camberwell, London, SE5 0XT 

The Blue Elephant Theatre spotlights new work from east London locals across the performing arts fields. This is a great option if you want to get involved in theatre on a budget, as most performances offer tickets for less than £15. Shows include plays, spoken word pieces, and stand-up comedy, so there’s something for everyone no matter what you’re interested in. Visit the Blue Elephant Theatre website to view the full performance line up. 

77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD/Dante Place, 80 Newington Butts, SE11 4FL 

Southwark Playhouse has two venues around Elephant & Castle, with the newly opened Elephant venue found just 10 minutes away from the original Borough location. With comedies and musicals on show alongside Shakespearean dramas with modern twists all on sale for £30 or less, the two Southwark Playhouse venues are home to some of the most exciting theatre experiences in the area. Take a look at the website to find out full details about what’s on in both locations. 

1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, South Bank, SE1 8XR 

If cinema is more your thing, the UK’s biggest screen can be found at BFI IMAX and is not an experience to miss. Just minutes away from London Waterloo, enjoy a completely immersive experience with the Laser projection, a 12-channel sound system, and seats you can lose yourself in. 

Catch the latest blockbusters or sit back and take in some of the greatest films of all time – just don’t forget the popcorn! BFI IMAX also has a café on site if you’d prefer something warmer to enjoy during the film. Browse the latest listings and find out what’s on next. 

3 Dirty Lane, London, SE1 9PA 

Everyman offers a luxury cinema experience different to anything you’ve seen before. Order food and drinks straight to your seat, from classic cinema snacks to pizza or burgers. Treat yourself to an expertly made cocktail, or enjoy a creamy milkshake – whatever you fancy, Everyman can provide it. Take a look at the listings at Everyman Borough Yards and don’t miss out on the innovative experience. 

2 Dugard Way, Renfrew Rd, London SE11 4TH 

Real cinema lovers should pay a visit to The Cinema Museum – a charitable organisation founded in 1986. The history even spreads to the building, as its current location is a building where iconic film star Charlie Chaplin lived as a child. The Cinema Museum is home to an impressive collection of memorabilia and equipment which preserves the records of filmmaking from the 1890s to present day. Guided tours of the collection are available, so any film buffs can learn about everything the museum has in store, and screenings of both new releases and timeless classics can be attended throughout the year. Book your tour or view the timetable of films coming up this year. 

To find out more about Elephant Park, visit our blog page.