History of the UPP – Free TalkU

Dream Palaces: A history of the Ultimate Picture Palace and early cinema in Oxford

When the Oxford Picture Palace (now the Ultimate Picture Palace) opened in 1911 it was Oxford’s first purpose-built ‘electric theatre’. The technology of projecting moving images on to a screen was still in its infancy, but the ‘cinematograph’ had become wildly popular and a wave of new cinemas quickly followed, offering thrilling entertainment to both Town and Gown.

Join local historian Liz Woolley (www.lizwoolley.co.uk) for this FREE talk and find out more about this fascinating aspect of Oxford’s history. Booking essential.

Book tickets

Monday 17 March

 4.00pmBook tickets
Saturday 22 March

 1.30pmBook tickets

What else is on?

Today (Sunday 16th March)
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15:00

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me 15
+ Panel Discussion
2h 15m
David Lynch Weekender
In this prequel to his groundbreaking 1990s television series, David Lynch chronicles Laura Palmer’s final week before her murder. From critical flop to one of Lynch's most revered works, Fire Walk With Me has become an undisputed cult classic.

Book here

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20:00

Lost Highway 18
+ Intro
2h 14m
David Lynch Weekender
A jazz saxophonist's life begins to spiral out of control after he receives as series of unsettling VHS tapes in the mail. A fractured and deeply disturbing postmodern noir representing David Lynch at his most darkly surreal.

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Tomorrow (Monday 17th March)
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16:00

History of the UPP Talk U
When the Oxford Picture Palace (now the Ultimate Picture Palace) opened in 1911 it was Oxford's first purpose-built 'electric theatre'. Join local historian Liz Woolley for this FREE talk about Oxford's cinema history. Booking essential.

Book here

Find out more

17:45

I'm Still Here 15
2h 18m | Portuguese w/ English subtitles
Awards Season 2025
In 1970s Brazil, as the military dictatorship tightens its grip on the country, a mother is forced to rebuild her life after her husband is abducted by police. Powerful drama based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir and nominated for 3 Oscars, including Best Picture.

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20:45

Cottontail 12A
1h 34m
After his wife’s death, Kenzaburo receives a letter from beyond the grave asking him to travel to Lake Windermere in England to scatter her ashes. Deeply emotional exploration of family, love, and forgiveness starring Lily Franky (Shoplifters).

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See all upcoming films

Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road. We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers, so don't be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!

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