Edinburgh is spoilt for choice with regard to cinemas, and the number of multiplexes nearby mean the Cameo attracts a nice mix of proper film fans. Weekends are traditionally the busiest times.
As with all the best cinemas, the Cameo has a varied history. Opened in 1914 as the King's Cinema, it showed silent films until the early 1930s but was revolutionised when local entrepreneur Jim Poole bought the venue in 1949.
After an extensive refurbishment (the cinema was reportedly infested with rats at the time of its sale) Poole renamed it the Cameo and began to show films from around the world, quickly forming a partnership with the fledgling Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Poole's retirement in the mid 80s saw the cinema close down temporarily, but it soon reopened and added two further screens at the start of the 90s, being the first independent cinema in Scotland to do so.
In 2005, plans to convert the main auditorium into a restaurant sparked a campaign to save the Cameo, overwhelming public support meant these proposals were soon abandoned and the cinema was given protection from future development with an upgrade of its listed building status.
A healthy mix of arthouse and independent films, these tend to complement those shown at the nearby Filmhouse, rather than competing for the same market. The Cameo is one of the few cinemas to retain a traditional double feature screening each week and regularly showcases opera and theatre from London and further afield.
There's no dedicated children's screenings at weekends but the aforementioned double bills often include family friendly films. The amusingly titled Big Scream strand shows recent releases exclusively for parents and babies each Thursday.
Instead of having a single screening each week, every film showing on a Tuesday before 5pm offers a reduced ticket price for those over 60 and includes free refreshments.
During peak periods (weekdays after 5pm, all weekend) adult tickets are priced £7.30 with concessions available for students, senior citizens and those on income support for £5.80.
Off peak prices are £1 cheaper than peak times with adult tickets further reduced each Monday to £5.30. Prices are roughly in line with the nearby Filmhouse but are cheaper than the Odeon that lies between the two.
Cameo membership is available for £22 a year and offers a discount on all tickets while, unlike some arthouse cinemas, Orange Wednesdays codes are accepted.
A range of the cinema's own Fairtrade snacks are available in the well-stocked kiosk, including raspberries covered in white chocolate and numerous other nuts and sweets, all in bio-degradable packaging. The bar also serves hot food including soups and paninis.
Medium popcorn and drink: A medium popcorn is available for a £3.70 while a medium soft drink will set you back £2.70.
Fairtrade tea and coffee is available from the bar.
The brilliant Cameo bar serves alcoholic drinks, including a range of local beers and whisky as well as wines and beers from around the world, all of which can be taken into the auditorium.
As noted above, the cinema regularly screens opera, theatre and ballet from around the world and theatre from London. A season of classic films curated by Mark Kermode is currently screening on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Read more here at The Guardian.
'Tomboy' was part of the EIFF in 2011 and screened at the Cameo.
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