Odyssey Cinema, Art Deco cinema in London Road, St Albans, England.
Odyssey Cinema is an Art Deco movie theater on London Road in St Albans, registered as a locally listed building. It has a large main auditorium with seating on both a ground floor level and a balcony, as well as a second, smaller screen.
The cinema first opened in 1908, making it one of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in England. It was rebuilt and remodelled several times over the following decades, and the Art Deco appearance it has today dates from a later phase of its history.
The Odyssey is one of the few remaining independent cinemas in the region and draws a loyal local audience. Its varied programme, which covers foreign language films and classic screenings alongside new releases, gives it a role that goes beyond a standard night out.
The cinema sits on London Road and is easy to reach on foot from the town center, with several car parks a short walk away. Arriving a little early is a good idea on weekends, when screenings tend to fill up faster.
The building has two bars that stay open throughout screenings, which is unusual for a cinema of this size. Visitors can bring drinks and food such as cheese boards and falafels directly into the auditorium.
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