The Labia Theatre turns 70 Posted on 22 May 2019 Tags:Cape Town, cinema, Independent cinema, the Labia Theatre The oldest independent art cinema in the country, the Labia Theatre, turned 70 years old last week. The Cape Town theatre celebrated its birthday and the arts with a surprise screening of Rocketman, the soon-to-be-released biographical musical film based on the life of British musician Elton John. View this post on Instagram Happy Birthday to the wonderful Labia Cinema 70 years old today #labia70 #capetownbest #moviemagic A post shared by Melissa Brake (@melissa_brake) on May 19, 2019 at 10:38am PDT View this post on Instagram Celebrating in style! #Labia70 #Roodeberg70 – what a fabulous evening! A post shared by Jacqueline Lahoud (@jaxlahoud) on May 19, 2019 at 9:35am PDT View this post on Instagram A celebration of this bright star and grande dame #labia70 #roodeberg70 in style – family and friends and staff all having a great time. A post shared by Jacqueline Lahoud (@jaxlahoud) on May 19, 2019 at 10:15am PDT The Labia Theatre ‘has been operating as a cinema on the alternative circuit appealing mainly to the more discerning viewer who enjoys its quality product and the charm of its old-world ambience’ since the 1970s. View this post on Instagram … Cape Town's Favourite Cinema is Celebrating 70 years of Independence! * 70 years ago this week – in 1949 – the Labia Theatre first rolled out the red carpet. * Much ❤️ and gratitude to You – our Patrons – for all your loyal support over the years – cheers! * #thelabia #labiatheatre #capetownmovies #whatsoncapetown #movielover #citybowl #datenight #labia70 A post shared by The Labia Theatre (@thelabia) on May 17, 2019 at 1:18pm PDT It prides itself as the home of ‘cult, class and art movies, with a smattering of box office hit’, according to its website. The long-time owner Ludi Kraus has strived to keep its authentic features in pristine condition. The ticket booth, sweet counter and (re-padded) seats have all been kept much as they have been since the 1940s. View this post on Instagram LovelyLabia. The ticket office. #labiatheatre #cinema #boxoffice A post shared by Rob Millenaar (@robmillenaar) on Apr 23, 2019 at 11:26pm PDT View this post on Instagram I just love the old Labia theatre. For the love of old school cinema experience in Cape Town @labiatheatre #classiccinema #oldschooliscool #tickets #cinema #heartofcapetown #thingstodoincapetown A post shared by Janita Storm (@stormystorm555) on Jan 1, 2018 at 4:37am PST https://www.instagram.com/p/BQajC1WjvlB/ View this post on Instagram Cape Town's Labia Theatre lit up on 11 February for the first night of the 10-day #DesignIndaba FilmFest. The festival presented by @nedbank screened 10 African film premieres. Image: David Harris (@thisisdavidharris) A post shared by Design Indaba (@designindaba) on Feb 23, 2016 at 3:34am PST View this post on Instagram Midweek treat. A post shared by Jaki (@life.of.jaki) on Apr 17, 2019 at 8:21am PDT But, some upgrades have been necessary. It has converted to digital projection and upgraded its facilities by adding three more screens, a bar and a terrace. Yes, moviegoers can take their Slush Puppy cocktail into the theatre with them! View this post on Instagram I have found my new favorite place! Slush and gin #ultimate movie experience #labia #capetown #thelabia A post shared by Kristina Wessels (@kreatifkris) on Dec 14, 2016 at 3:29am PST However, the theatre started its life as something quite different. It is rumoured to have originally been the home of the Italian Embassy’s ballroom. In 1949, the ballroom was converted into a theatre. The Italian Princess Labia opened it as a theatre for live performances in 1949, but by the 1970s films took centre stage. Tickets are a mere R50 per person (R40 for students) and various restaurants in the area have collaborated with the theatre to offer meal and theatre ticket discount deals. Featured image: Labia Theatre. Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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