
The Crown Wharf Theatre brought a festive treat to Stone this Christmas, unveiling its new Picture House with a week of Christmas film screenings. Transforming the theatre space into a cosy cinema, the Picture House showcased a lineup of five films ranging from family favourite Elf to action-packed Die Hard. As a fan of Christmas films, I wasn’t going to miss the chance to experience some classics on the big screen.
A cosy family outing
My first visit to the Picture House was on a rainy Sunday, 22nd December, to see Home Alone. The blustery weather outside made the warm, inviting atmosphere inside even more special.
From the moment we arrived, the theatre’s transformation into the Picture House was evident. Volunteers greeted us with smiles, scanned our tickets, and served refreshments. This warm welcome added to the excitement of the evening and gave the whole experience a personal touch.
The professionalism of the screening stood out. A short trailer for upcoming National Theatre Live productions set the tone for future offerings, and the absence of adverts—a rarity in today’s big cinema chains—was a refreshing change. Watching Home Alone, with its timeless humour and heartwarming moments, was the perfect start to my Christmas holidays.
Later that evening, Die Hard took to the screen, showcasing the Picture House’s ambition to appeal to a wide audience. Many attendees I spoke to praised the comfortable seating and great views, aspects that made the experience even more enjoyable.
Friends, films, and festive spirit
My second visit to the Picture House was on 29th December, to watch Love Actually with close friends. After a successful first trip, I had high expectations, and once again, the Picture House delivered.
The attentive volunteers provided excellent service, and I treated myself to some ice cream, which I’d highly recommend for adding an indulgent touch to your trip. Though the venue was designed for theatre productions, the high-quality sound ensured every line of dialogue was crisp and immersive, enhancing the atmosphere of this festive favourite.
Watching Love Actually with friends was a fantastic way to end the year, and the Picture House’s cosy environment made it even more special.
A festive lineup for all ages
The Picture House offered a thoughtfully curated selection of Christmas films, including Elf on Christmas Eve and The Polar Express on the morning of 29th December. The diverse lineup catered to all ages, and it was lovely to see such a mix of generations enjoying the screenings together.
With reasonably priced tickets, the Crown Wharf Theatre’s Picture House is an affordable treat for families and friends. Its blend of community spirit, high-quality screenings, and welcoming atmosphere makes it an excellent addition to Stone.
Looking ahead, the Picture House will host National Theatre Live productions, and I highly recommend keeping an eye on their schedule for future events. Whether you’re a fan of festive classics or just looking for an enjoyable night out, this cinema is sure to impress.
Here’s the link to the official Crown Wharf Theatre Picture House website.
Why visit Crown Wharf Theatre’s Picture House?
- Affordable tickets
- Friendly, community-focused service
- Comfortable seating and excellent sound quality
- Thoughtfully chosen films for all ages
What’s your favourite Christmas film? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to visit the Crown Wharf’s Picture House for a magical cinema experience in the heart of Stone!









