ActOne cinema and café plans its fifth birthday celebrations

The Grade-II Listed library of red brick and Portland stone; photograph Rod Souza

More than just a cinema – ActOne has regenerated Acton High Street

At the heart of Acton’s vibrant high street, ActOne cinema nearly didn’t happen so – five years from opening – it seems incredible that this much-loved community hub is now approaching such a milestone.

The former library, given to the people of Acton by philanthropist Passmore Edwards, became empty in 2014 when its collection of books was moved into the Everyone Active centre.

A place for the people

A group of residents – all of whom felt passionately about the fate of the historic old library – campaigned for over four years to return it to community use.

“Let us locals create a cinema was the rallying cry,” says ActOne’s co-chair, Bart Govaert, who acknowledges it was a stressful time for residents who lobbied relentlessly.

The community group formed themselves into the Acton Arts CIC, a community interest company.

They made sure the building’s status as an Asset of Community Value was in place and were able to see off all commercial bids. After many months of discussion, they signed a lease with Ealing Council in April 2021.

Acton locals pitch in to clean up the interior

Locals step up to volunteer

Over one hundred volunteers leapt into action and helped clear, clean and paint the Grade-II Listed building ready for contractors.

“Next we held a fundraising campaign to open one screen,” says Govaert. That first campaign – hosted on the fundraising platform Spacehive – was very successful and raised £115,572.

Film critic Mark Kemode lent his support as a patron and long-term advocate.

After only a few months, ActOne Cinema officially opened its doors on 8 October 2021 with a screening of the James Bond film No Time to Die.  One of the earliest successes was the popularity of the café, which is run by the cinema team and helps boost the coffers.

Friends wait in the café after putting their drinks order in at the bar

An effective fundraising campaign

The initial campaign, which seemed momentous, was only the beginning of the fundraising journey.

“One-screen cinemas have a low-chance of success,” explains Govaert, “so we had to launch a second fundraising campaign.”

Luckily for ActOne, supporters continued to believe in the cinema.

ActOne is at the centre of Acton High Street close to pubs and restaurants

The dream becomes reality

A total of three Spacehive fundraising campaigns took place, raising the impressive sum of £334,000. These campaigns were supported by the Mayor of London, Acton BID, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Locality, the National Lottery, the council wards (including South Acton, East Acton, Central Acton and Southfield) as well as the residents of Acton and other filmlovers further afield.

The ActOne project was particularly grateful to the Acton BID for their major contribution and because of this the cinema now has two 60-seat screen rooms fully equipped with the latest digital technology, a spacious lounge and a café.

A eclectic programme of films lures movie lovers inside

A film lovers’ paradise

The film programme is wide-ranging and includes the latest quality independent films, world cinema, documentaries, film festival screenings and film-maker events, as well as the occasional quality blockbuster.

There are weekly Carer and Baby screenings as well as the ClassicOne Cinema Club where free tea and biscuits are served and ticketing is on a ‘pay what you can’ basis.

“Often there are screenings with themes – such as the climate crisis – and low-budget films where we invite the director or one of the actors to take place in a Q&A with the audience,” says Govaert.

The Trent Pieterse Quintet performs their set at a jazz night; an audience enjoys the comfortable seats

More than a cinema

“We’ve done something very special at ActOne,” continues Govaert. “We’re not just a cinema; we are a community hub. Lots of non-profit making activities take place – talks, games, concerts – and we’re very proud of what we’ve done.”

If you visit ActOne at any time of day, the cosy café and welcoming lounge are always in use whether its friends meeting for a casual drink or a crowd gathering for one of the popular, scheduled events such as the quiz, board game, open mic, jazz and comedy nights.

Over the years, a variety of community groups have used the lounge including environmental activists, members of the Offbeat Choir and repair cafés holding pop-ups to name but a few.

Ealing Repair Cafe hold a pop-up event in The Lounge; photographs Ealing Repair Cafe

Low ticket prices

“Of course, it’s always a financial struggle and we’re always looking for new ways to generate revenue, but that is the nature of it,” says Govaert.

“We feel it’s important to keep doing what we do,” he continues. “Our ticket prices are low and we’re very inclusive.”

This approach feeds into ActOne’s motto – more of us can watch more movies more often – which is proudly stated.

Acton Arts CIC runs its own café selling a wide range drinks and snacks; photograph of lounge Rod Souza

Meeting the challenge

“It’s challenging for a small organisation like ourselves, but we do pay a London Living Wage to all our staff including the Front of House Manager and Operations Manager.”

ActOne wouldn’t survive without them, or its many volunteers which includes its directors.

An ace team of directors

These directors, who bring a cross-section of highly valuable skills, are not paid anything at all.

Govaert, a former Google engineering program manager and now an MSC student in economic policy, must juggle writing essays with cinema management, but it is clear how much he enjoys it.

“It’s a wonderful experience,” he enthuses. “There are seven of us,” he explains. “And we all bring something to the project.”

An army of volunteers

In addition to the ace executive team, 60-plus volunteers generously give their time week in, week out. You’ll see them checking in cinema goers or greeting visitors attending an event.

“Our Volunteers Manager, Sue, is always pleased to hear from nice people,” says Govaert. “That is the prime job here – being nice. You’ll not get our warm and friendly welcome in the multiplexes.”

Activities such as board game night are a big draw of an evening

A big boost to the night-time economy

The success of ActOne has had a noticeable impact on Acton. “We are a key part of the night-time economy, and we’re thrilled to bring new visitors to our high street,” says Govaert.

For many people, ActOne is their happy place. A bucket of popcorn, a cold beer and a favourite film – what’s not to love?

ActOne cinema and café is a short walk from the Southfield area of W4 or an easy hop on the E3 bus from Chiswick High Road.

To find out more, click here.