Why reinvent the wheel when it works so well? Dinner and a movie is a combination that will never go out of style.
So for your next date night, solo-date, or night out with the besties, why not enjoy soul-warming movies at Cape Town’s very own little secret cinephile garden, the Labia Theatre? With its antique feel and cosy atmosphere, it’s the perfect portal to get lost in worlds that are not our own.
Step into the past with old-fashioned ticket stubs, popcorn in a brown paper packet and a Coca-Cola in a glass bottle.
Hopeless romantics can buy dinner-and-a-movie tickets for two, friends can grab slush puppies and cocktails with either gin or vodka to add that extra kick of enjoyment, and anyone can pop into the coffee bar for a hot chocolate or a glass of wine with the arty crowd afterwards.
Steeped in history and love, the Labia Theatre is Cape Town’s treasured cinema that’s been around for decades. It was even ranked as one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world last year. It’s magical red carpet and green floral arch will transport you into an alternative theatre culture that has prevailed through the ages.
The oldest Independent Art-Repertory Cinema in South Africa opened its doors on 16 May 1949 as Princess Labia’s Italian Embassy ballroom and later became a theatre for live productions. A few decades later, the ballroom-turned-movie-theatre still showcases the best of alternative, independent, foreign and off-circuit movies.
It also hosts a number of film festivals and screenings from animation to student-directed, to documentaries and a whole lot more. But don’t worry, they also show a few popular mainstream movies for those slightly less artsy-inclined.
While much of the Labia’s magic is to do with the experience of actually going there, the other side of the coin is of course their budget-friendly offers. After all, we all know how steep the prices of pretty much anything are these days.
For just R70 (R50 for students, fanatics, seniors, and children), you can enjoy quality movies in their four characteristic screens: a 176 seater – the original ballroom, a 100 seater, a 65 seater, and an intimate 50 seater. Or opt for a card of ten pre-paid Labia tickets for R500 (save R200), which essentially scores you two free movies.
In addition, the theatre has a cosy coffee bar which offers home-made delicacies, a chocolate bar serving sweets, chocolates and popcorn, an outside garden terrace and a fully licenced bar. All serving lower-priced offerings than in most other complexes. The Labia is the only cinema where you can relax, sip a drink from the bar and watch a movie.
Take a peek at what’s showing:
The Labia Theatre has also teamed up with Societi Bistro and Diva Pizza in the vicinity to offer Movie Meal Specials for Two. Simply book with the restaurant of your choice, order the Labia special and take your receipt to the theatre to end your night
Every Monday and Tuesday, indulge in two pastas and two movie tickets for R120 with Societi Bistro. Dine next door then dash on over after to enjoy your movie.
Or treat yourselves to two pizzas and two movie tickets for R130 with Diva Pizza on Wednesdays. Collect and enjoy your pizza in their enchanting garden terrace before your movie.
Should you wish to eat after your screening you still need to purchase your vouchers first at the restaurant and inform them that you will return to have your meal after the movie screening.
You will be given two vouchers one for your meal and one to exchange at the Labia box office for your movie tickets. It is advisable to reserve a table at the restaurant in advance as tables cannot be guaranteed on busy nights when the movie/meal deals are being run with the Labia.
The details:
- Location: 68 Orange St, Gardens, CBD
- Website: thelabia.co.za
- Societi Bistro booking: Call 021 424 2100
- Diva Pizza orders: WhatsApp 078 341 7102
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Written by Tauhira Ajam for Cape {town} Etc.
Feature image: @jaloulangeree / Instagram
