The Abbeydale Picture House

Creative Tourist Last Updated 24 May 2023

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The Abbeydale Picture House

387 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, S7 1FS

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Cinemas in Sheffield Photographer: Scott Hukins © — Abbeydale Picture House Photographer: Scott Hukins ©

Abbeydale Picture House was the most magical and luxurious cinema when it opened back in 1920. Situated on Abbeydale Road in the Antiques Quarter of Sheffield, the Grade II listed venue is the only cinema of its era still operating in the city today.

One of Sheffield’s most iconic buildings, Abbeydale Picture House closed its doors as a cinema back in 1975 and operated as an office furniture showroom until 1991. Since then, multiple caretakers and restoration groups have returned this popular ‘picture palace’ to something approaching its former glory.

Today, the space is run by the Sheffield-based arts charity, Creative Arts Development Space who continue to renovate and restore, so that visitors can sit under the barrel-vaulted plaster ceiling for a regular programme of cinema, theatre and music events.

In more recent years, the Picture House has hosted film screenings – everything from silent films, paying homage to the cinema’s early days, to cult classics. Festivals like Yorkshire Silent Film Festival, Sensoria Music and Film Festival and Sheffield Doc/Fest have all utilised the unique and grand setting of the 1920s style cinema too. There is also a regular flea market which takes place in the car park on the first Sunday of every month.

What's on near The Abbeydale Picture House

3 Nov – 5 Nov

TheatreChapel Street

Pests at The Kings Arms

Wisteria Theatre Company bring a punch-packing debut to Salford. Vivienne Franzmann’s raw, claustrophobic drama about sisterhood and survival.

From £5.00

Dear Laila at Leeds Kirkgate Market: A Palestinian man sits with his back to the camera, leaning forward against a wooden desk. With only his arm is visible, as he sits in darkness, he is holding a black and white photograph comprising of several people of mixed ages and genders. The desk rests against an wall covered in ornate pink and cream wallpaper. On top of the desk sits a metal lamp and a decorative wooden box.

23 Oct – 25 Oct

TheatreLeeds

Dear Laila at Leeds Kirkgate Market

Happening as part of Transform 25, check out this one-to-one performance sharing the Palestinian experience of displacement and resistance.

Pay-What-You-Can

27 Nov – 31 Dec

FamiliesManchester

Freaky Friday at HOME

HOME’s Christmas show Freaky Friday makes its UK stage premiere. A funny, heartfelt Disney musical offering a body-swappingly brilliant alternative to panto.

From £27.70

Promotional image of Branford Marsalis playing saxophone

2 Nov

MusicManchester

Branford Marsalis and Julian Joseph at RNCM

The UK’s biggest annual sax gathering returns, headlined by one of the most influential figures in jazz and classical saxophone today: Branford Marsalis.

From £33.00

21 Nov

CinemaManchester

Faust: A German Folk Legend at RNCM

F. W. Murnau’s silent-era masterpiece Faust: A German Folk Legend gets the big screen treatment at the RNCM, with a live improvised organ score.

From £12.00

7 Dec – 13 Dec

MusicManchester

Prokofiev: L’Amour des Trois Oranges at RNCM

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From £15.00

31 Oct

MusicManchester

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From £12.00

12 Oct

FamiliesManchester

RNCM Young Explorers: Fairytales, Folklore and Fantasy at RNCM

Adventure awaits with an interactive family-friendly afternoon of live orchestral music from How to Train Your Dragon, Peer Gynt, and Sleeping Beauty.

From £8.00

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