Cube Cinema

Have you been to the Cube? Course you haven’t.
Before even attempting to circumnavigate the perimeter of the Cube, you may wish to consider the following. The paths that lead to this most prestigious of screen-​flickeries are beset with all sorts of nefarious devices. One example: I set off one Thursday night to partake in a viewing of an art-​house post-​paedo spaghetto flick. On my journey I encountered a fellow with hunched skin who enquired about whether I possessed «a burn». Assuming this man to be a witch, I took flight before the power of his vernacular could take its desired effect.
I’d pack a map and possibly a magnifying glass to keep some perspective.

Fellow old-​timers will remember this place as the Arts Centre, a venerable King’s Square establishment where at one time you could see two different nearly-​new films in an evening. The cinema was approached at that time up a corridor past the kitchens of a Chinese restaurant. A change of ownership, coupled with a fire at the front of the premises, have left us with the present incarnation as the Cube Microplex. Seemingly run by film hobbyists, it tends to show the art-​house scraps left over after the Watershed and Arnolfini have had their pick. It’s not the place to see a movie if you’ve got work in the morning as they always start late, and it can be a bit of a toss up whether they even show the film you’re expecting. The bogs are pretty awful, the auditorium very spartan and the clientele are mainly weirdos, but the loyalty card is an attraction as regulars soon get enough stamps for a freebie. Coffee and drinks are also available for taking in to the film, plus it’s a bit cheaper than other cinemas. Worth a go then if they’re showing something you really want to see.

I HEART the Cube, totally voluntary run, awesome varied events. Its a must for any new comer in Bristol

The Cube microplex cinema is a volunteer run venue that is part of the bedrock of Bristol subculture. In a world of multiplexes, and corporate sponsored music events, this entirely independent entity makes a really refreshing change from the spoon-​fed, plastic-​fantastic, candy-​coated mediocrity that is so prevalent within mainstream entertainment. The Cube is keeping it real!
With showings of cult classics and new indie films, with a sprinkling of blockbusters every now and then, the film programme has always got something to offer everyone. Music nights are always a real treat too. They have great bands on really regularly; it’s worth going even if you haven’t heard of them before, the standard is always exceptional. It’s better to book tickets as the auditorium only has a 105 seat capacity.
I wonder if they’re going to show live matches of the World Cup like they did four years ago? I’m no football supporter, but enjoy the buzz I get from watching the occasional international match. I went to quite a few of the World Cup screenings last time, and it was a real laugh! I’ll be there again soon if they do it again.
Tangent Books
Tangent Books is a quintessentially English business that produces eccentric and innovative non-​fiction titles. With offices at Paintworks, it is a mainstay of the creative quarter — an ideal location for Richard Jones, (Director), who has lived in Totterdown for many years.
Older titles like Bash The Rich by author and Class War founder Ian Bone, have earned cult status, but it’s newer titles like Home Sweet Home, that have propelled Tangent to a more high profile position within the publishing industry. Home Sweet Home, researched and written by Steve Wright, probably offers the best insight available into the emergence of graffiti in the UK. It charts a fascinating journey of a handful of Bristol born artists that, through their prolific and skilled renderings, have inspired a nation to create some incredible works of public art!
Newer titles like Wild Dayz and Art and Sound of the Bristol Underground offer more insight into Bristolian subculture, and the inspirational influences that it has been responsible for over the decades.
I am deeply enamoured by the entirely exceptional Cheo Colouring Book. What a fantastic idea! It’s so profoundly imaginative! (Cheo is one of the most renowned Bristol graffiti artists). Brilliant!

I love love love The Cube and wish I could transport it from Kingsdown to my back garden. It’s how all good cinemas should be– intimate and friendly, allowing you to take a big long alcoholic drink into the screen with you and showing some great independent films as well as some of the bigger movies. I love the fact you can buy old-​fashioned sweets behind the bar as well as cider. The film I watched was halted for a few moments rather unprofessionally at the start and lost the sound for a bit but somehow nobody was too irked. Its run by volunteers mainly and that’s what gives it that laid-​back but loved feel. They also do a huge amount for the local community and host lots of interesting talks and intimate gigs. Well worth visiting if you haven’t got there quite yet.

This is one of my favourite venues in Bristol. I came here to see Beardyman perform last year and it was absolutely fantastic. It felt really intimate. The fantastic Cabaret of Curiosities hold nights here every few months and they are huge fun, a great mix of cabaret and burlesque with some really interesting fun acts.
It has some really interesting cinema nights — 2 I really want to go to include this month the Japanese Festival Film Night and Dance on Screen. Sadly I’m busy both nights but if you want to find some interesting movies and sit in a lovely atmospheric independent cinema you really need to check out The Cube.
You need a membership card which was paying I think £3 and you show your member card when you come to events here subsequently. Also events here are reasonably priced, its a fantastic independent cinema. Not the place to come if you want to watch Avatar in 3d but perfect for some really interesting and thought provoking films and performances.

An independent, not-​for-​profit, cooperatively run business, The Cube is something remarkable indeed. One of only two in the country, it eschews profit in favour of showcasing the very most experimental in music, film and performance art.
This, of course, reflects on the establishment. It has an arty graffitied exterior which gives way to a slightly musty-​smelling, down-​at-​heel interior, haphazardly decorated with fairly lights and random art works. The cinema is antiquated indeed, but take it with a pinch of salt and it will add to rather than detract from the arty ambiance.
The programme changes every two weeks, with films generally shown at the beginning of the week and more festive concerts and events opted for as the weekend rolls in.
Drinks are cheap, the staff are always up for a chat about whatever the burning issue of the day is and there’s invariably a fantastic open-​minded atmosphere among the crowd.

The Cube describes itself as a ‘microplex’ which is a pleasing description I think. It pretty much sums up their alternative, non-​mainstream take on things. It’s tucked away between Kingsdown and Stokes Croft and this is one of Bristol’s art cinemas (the other one being the Watershed).
They are left of centre in all things, with fair trade food on offer to go with the independent cinema. It’s a workers cooperative with lots of volunteers and describes itself as ‘artist run’. The result is very much anti-​profit making and doing things for their own sake. Get hold of one of their programmes to get an idea of what’s going on.
As well as regular film showings there are various artists groups verging on social movement type things going on. The result means the Cube is always changing and never dull. Putting it all in a slightly ramshackle, intimate little venue makes for lovely evening. Not shackled by money the Cube houses the very best of Bristol more alternative cultural offerings.

I just wanted to add my voice to those expressing their love for the Cube. This really is a wonderful little place and if you go on the right night, the intimimate atmosphere is untouched by any other venue in the city.
The truly eclectic programme won’t appeal to everyone but it’s worth checking regularly as they serve up some events you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world. Indeed, I’ve had two of the best evenings out of my life here, at a Greatness of the Magnifience Elvis tribute event, and at a more recent ukelele night.
On both occaions, the performers were so talented I almost felt ashamed, and you’re so close to them that they rarely bother to use amplification. Oh, and their cult cinema selections are pretty good too!

Expect to get insanely lost in the back streets of Kingsdown/​Stokes Croft trying to fin this place. But stick with it (or use a map) as it is well worth it. The programme of events includes acoustic gigs, cinema nights screening independent films and talks on a range of liberal/​left focused subjects. It’s friendly and inviting with a quaint little bar which serves homemade cola, local ales and sometimes mead.
The screen isn’t at all hi tech and the seats have come straight out of the 60s, so if it’s comfort you’re looking for then Cinema de Lux may be more your bag. But if you want something a little different, somewhere with a real unique vibe about it and somewhere which won’t break the bank — the Cube is it.

There are some very good reviews here of The Cube, so rather than repeat what others have said I will merely offer some advice:
If you’re going in winter wrap up warm because the heating doesn’t always work and the auditorium is a large space to try and heat so it takes a while to warm up (usually 5 mins before the end of the performance!).
Sometimes it can be hard to hear films as the in-​house PA system doesn’t seem to be that powerful, so my advice is to sit closer to the front or to get there early.
If you like independent film & underground music — whatever the genre, it will only be a short matter of time before there is something right up your alley @ The Cube.

great family day out to watch a film. And at good prices for tickets to watch the film of your choice many seats and good view of the big screen. for all ages and all sorts of films.

This is a really unique place! Its a tiny cinema with a great atmosphere, which features a large selection of independent films and live music.

Love the cube! THE place to watch movies, bands and theatre.
Unique character and a precious gem!

The Cube is in the same league as the Watershed cinema, but has alittle something extra special as it is run pretty much entirely by volunteers. It host some really quirky and special films and has entire nights dedicated to certain genres (a couple of fridays ago they had a special Horror-​fest running from 8pm to 8am!).
There is a bar with good priced nice booze, and all the staff are lovely as they are all passionate about the place. They also host some really good music events!

The cube is the most interesting venue that I’ve been to in Bristol, and is the place most likely to cheer me up if I’m feeling a little low and uninspired.
It is an independent organisation that is run mostly by volunteers (who are so independent that they make their own cola), and has had many incarnations; including being an old theatre and family run cinema. Because of this, it is the perfect backdrop for the many weird and wonderful things happening there. I’ve seen amazing small budget films, burlesque shows, talks, circus acts, and a plethora of quirky and talented bands. Only the mainstream could seem out of place at The Cube.
It isn’t always open so check out their website first before you go. (
) This is especially important since the events are definitely not for everyone. But if you’re looking for somewhere different to go, if you’re tired of the same old types of bands in the same sticky-​floored and soulless venues, then this is the place for you.