Lights, Camera, Action: Theatre, Shows and Cinema in King’s Lynn

There’s a real buzz about the much anticipated new James Bond movie. After months of being deprived of the cinema and theatre we all want to be entertained and see the latest films and shows. King’s Lynn has plenty to satisfy film goers and entertainment seekers. The town centre boasts two cinemas, the Corn Exchange theatre and other performance venues. So, whether you fancy a trip to the theatre or a night at the cinema in King’s Lynn, you’re covered.

Cinema in King’s Lynn

Are you a fan of romance and thrillers or is the latest action movie or superhero blockbuster more your kind of thing? Perhaps you’re always on the lookout for films to keep the kids happy. Whatever your film genre of choice, you’ll find it in King’s Lynn cinemas.

For the latest films and live theatre and music screenings, head to the Majestic Cinema on Tower Street, which first opened its doors in 1928; the year is commemorated in the stained glass windows at the front. The Majestic Cinema has a strong heritage but is bang up to date with four screens, digital surround sound and modern seating throughout.

You can also see films at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Cinema on Tuesday Market Place which opened in 2020. The cinema has two digital screens and a design scheme inspired by its location incorporating coastal touches and natural colours. The cinema shows a mix of new movies and classics along with screenings of theatre performances and music events.

 

Theatre in King’s Lynn

The Grade II listed facade of King’s Lynn Corn Exchange provides a grand historic entrance for the cinema and theatre. The popular town centre venue is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

You can see a varied programme of entertainment including comedy, tribute bands, musical theatre, opera, contemporary dance, talks, plays, children’s shows, classical concerts, ballet, and more.

In December the Corn Exchange becomes the home of fun for all the family with the Christmas pantomime. Get the festive season started with a trip to this year’s panto Beauty and the Beast which promises live music, lots of laughter and rip-roaring adventure!

There’s a long tradition of theatre in King’s Lynn, William Shakespeare is believed to have performed at St George’s Guildhall in 1593 and his leading comic actor Robert Armin was born here in 1565. The 15th century Grade 1 listed Guildhall plays host to talks and a range of theatrical and musical performances. Book Guildhall events via the Corn Exchange website.

 

Shows, music and entertainment in King’s Lynn

You can enjoy shows, music and entertainment throughout the year in King’s Lynn with plenty to enjoy right now.

The King’s Lynn Festival Autumn Series runs until December with a vibrant programme including talks, workshops, exhibitions, coffee concerts and music performances.

Lovers of all things futuristic, keen gamers and bold adventurers should check out the Intergalactic Hanseatic League, a sci-fi space age project taking place in King’s Lynn town centre and online. This time-travel adventure started with mysterious ‘transmissions’ in town centre windows. Keep an eye out for light projections across landmark buildings. The Intergalactic Hanseatic League runs until 17th October.

Back on earth King’s Lynn hosts a packed programme of entertainment and events. Annual highlights include Folk in the Town, King’s Lynn Festival, Festival Too, Hanse Festival, Mods & Rockers, Pride Event, Forties Lynn, Heritage Open Day & Classic Car Event, Norfolk Restaurant Week, Festive Events and more. See our What’s On pages for details of upcoming events.

From time to time there are exciting street performances in King’s Lynn, you might see buskers, acrobats and circus performers on your shopping trip! We keep you posted about special events on our social media channels, so do connect with Discover King’s Lynn to stay in the know about entertainment in the town centre.

There is something to keep everyone entertained in King’s Lynn and everyone is welcome!

 

Theatre and cinema in King’s Lynn: Pre and post-show dining

Whether you’re planning a trip to the cinema or theatre in King’s Lynn, you will need refreshments. There are lots of tempting eateries for pre and post-show dining.

From sweet indulgent treats to light bites and delectable dinners, you’ll be spoilt for choice in King’s Lynn town centre which offers a wide range of food and drink options include fast food outlets, independent cafes and restaurants.

You can dine around the world in King’s Lynn, enjoying delicious food including British, Caribbean, Indian, Italian, Turkish and US inspired fare.

 

Theatre and Cinema in King’s Lynn: Facts for film and theatre buffs

Norfolk is no stranger to the world of film and features in some big Hollywood blockbusters. You can see Holkham Beach in ‘Shakespeare in Love’, Castle Rising represented 1910s rural Denmark in ‘Out of Africa’, and Walpole St Andrew and Denver were locations for ‘Atonement’. King’s Lynn with its impressive historic architecture and quayside is on the radar of film location scouts.

At Discover King’s Lynn we do like a fact and couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to bring you five fabulous facts about theatre and cinema in King’s Lynn.

 

5 fabulous facts about theatre and cinema in King’s Lynn

  1. The picturesque town centre with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and warehouses makes King’s Lynn an ideal period film location. Armando Iannucci’s ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)’ was filmed here. The iconic Custom House and The Purfleet featured in the film trailer.
  2. King’s Lynn represented 1776 New York in American War of Independence movie ‘Revolution (1985)’ directed by Hugh Hudson. Hollywood stars Al Pacino and Donald Sutherland were in the town centre for filming.
  3. Famous stars of stage and screen have attended educational establishments in King’s Lynn. Actor Michael Caine was educated at King Edward V11 Grammar School while he was evacuated here during the Second World War. Comedian, actor and writer Stephen Fry went to the College of West Anglia (formerly the Norfolk College of Arts and Technology).
  4. Jack Huston, who starred in the television drama series Boardwalk Empire and crime drama television series Fargo, was born in King’s Lynn.
  5. The English operatic soprano and actress Clara Millington Dow (1883-1969) was born in King’s Lynn. Clara appeared in the first repertory seasons of Gilbert and Sullivan produced by the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company.

 

That’s a wrap!

Here ends your whistle stop tour around entertainment, cinema and theatre in King’s Lynn.

See our What’s On pages for details of entertainment and events.

We look forward to welcoming you to the town centre soon.

And finally, how do you like your popcorn, sweet or salty?