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.

Arrive early to claim a FREE tea or coffee.

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed History of the UPP – Free Talk between March 17, 2025 and March 22, 2025.

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What else is on?

Today (Monday 23rd June)
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18:00

Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story 18
1h 21m | Malagasy w/ English subtitles
In Madagascar, a young miner is torn between fast money and his principles. A political, personal debut from Luck Razanajaona, blending 1970s radical spirit with a gripping tale of identity, justice, and survival.

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20:00

Trainspotting 18
1h 34m
Join Cinema Under The Stairs as we dive headfirst into Edinburgh’s underbelly, where Renton, Spud, Sick Boy, and Begbie orbit the chaos of heroin addiction, nihilism, and one of the greatest soundtracks ever pressed to vinyl.

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Tomorrow (Tuesday 24th June)
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18:30

Best of Iris Prize 2024 15
£6 Tickets
1h
Discover award-winning LGBTQ+ short films from the 2024 Iris Prize, presented in partnership with Oxford Pride. This special showcase features powerful stories of love, identity, and resilience from around the world. Bold, moving cinema that celebrates queer voices.

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20:30

The Phoenician Scheme 15
£6 for Members
1h 41m
When a billionaire bequeaths his empire to his nun daughter, chaos follows. Assassins, tycoons, and wild twists abound in Wes Anderson’s latest star-studded comedy caper, starring Benicio Del Toro, Scarlett Johansson and Michael Cera.

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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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