With the days getting longer, the temperature rising fractionally and the promise of spring growing ever more tangible, the outdoor events calendar for the capital is beginning to take shape. One of the first from the starting block is the Nomad Cinema, a venture which claims to be “the UK’s first roaming pop-up cinema”. The Nomad travels its screen around a variety of venues, indoor and out, taking inspiration from its locations to create unorthodox and memorable movie nights.
Quirky, alternative ways to watch films have exploded in popularity recently: Secret Cinema re-thought the concept of movie-going by encouraging punters to buy tickets without knowing what they were buying for, and offering unique themed nights around new or classic films; and during the warmer months, Somerset House and The Scoop next to City Hall also host occasional outdoor screenings. Nomad appears to be incorporating elements of all of these successful strands with aplomb.
The programme looks intriguing, and while full details are yet to be finalised, expect comedy classic Some Like It Hot accompanied by a live jazz band, aristocratic drama Dangerous Liasons with a string quartet backing, and cult Satanic horror film The Omen “surrounded by frantic priests”. Friday night at the Odeon this ain’t.
And many of these screenings will be under the stars: the Nomad’s pop-up screen will brave unreliable British weather to appear in some of London’s grandest outdoor locations, including Fulham Palace, Battersea Park and Opera Holland Park, before embarking on a national tour, with up to 150 events planned. It's all being organised by the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise, a warm-hearted bunch of people who are donating 50% of all profits to charity. Nomad Cinema launches properly next month and you’d be unwise to miss out on what promises to be a summery treat.
Update 4th May: Tickets on sale now for Nomad Cinema in the Royal Parks
The Nomad Cinema launches in April. For more details visit www.whereisthenomad.com
