It’s bringing back the glory days without any gimmicks
A top Manchester cinema has recently undergone a big revamp, including a technical upgrade of its main screen(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Across the span of just one week, there is a cinema in Manchester that will be screening an episode of The Celebrity Traitors, 1968 Godzilla sequel Destroy All Monsters and a run-through of four Chucky movies starring everybody’s favourite sinister red-headed toy doll.
There’s perhaps not many other venues who can boast such a varied and intriguing line-up like it. But, thankfully, it has its crowd of devotees who not only turn up for its unique film screenings, but also its quiz nights, panel discussions and interactive parties.
CULTPLEX, situated on Red Bank in Cheetham Hill, started life in 2019 as part of the beloved street food venue GRUB. In the six years since, it has become the home of its own horror film festival, hosted big-league movie directors, named one of the best cinemas by Country & Town House magazine, and once even hosted an all-night live screening of the general election results.
But with neighbours GRUB having just recently departed the Red Bank space in favour of a new as-yet-undisclosed city centre location, the extra room has now given CULTPLEX the opportunity to expand.
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The CULTPLEX cinema and bar, on Red Bank in Cheetham Hill, has been given a fresh lick of paint both inside and out(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Now reopened following its expansion, the Green Quarter cinema, near Victoria Station, has made full use of its 10,000 sq ft warehouse space with a full technical upgrade of its main screen – now dubbed Screen 1 – which will enable it to play the latest blockbusters and indie hits, alongside its calendar of lesser-known horror and cult films.
A new Screen 2, with capacity for up to 40 people, will enable the venue to roll out its programming further and will be primarily used to host talks, workshops and screen ‘more niche and experimental’ films.
But perhaps most exciting to fans of quirks will be the addition of a new auditorium, which claims to be the smallest cinema in Manchester. The mini screen can just about seat eight people, and will be able to be booked out for private events or for small groups to enjoy their favourite movies in a cinema setting.
People will also be able to use gaming stations and arcade machines(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“CULTPLEX isn’t about sofas, gimmicks or three course meals during a film,” cinema manager Greg Walker previously explained. “The film is always the leading star and all facets of our cinema are dedicated to making sure movie fans love every second. Upgrading and upscaling the cinema across two floors makes that job so much easier.”
But the venue is also not only going to be about movies. The expansion will mean that the venue can now host more socials and regular events, like Dungeons & Dragons sessions and quiz shows.
It was recently announced that the venue’s amateur gaming league will be returning after a hiatus later this month. The M.A.G.L event (returning on October 22) will see 12 teams of gamers take on a host of competitive video games – spanning retro classics, indie gems and blockbuster hits – on the big screen.
The cinema now boasts three screens, including a mini auditorium(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“This IS NOT a serious gaming tournament,” promoters insisted on the amateur league event. “This is a chance to bring back the glory days of couch gaming on an epic scale. We’re in it for the fun of it.”
There will also be gaming stations and arcade machines set up around the CULTPLEX space for video game fans to enjoy. Not only that but an in-house store, selling vinyl’s, books, Blu-Rays and pop culture collectables, will also be in operation.
Outside of gaming and movies, the revamped CULTPLEX will also include a newly-upgraded bar, serving Japanese soft drinks and chocolates as well as beer-braised hot dogs from Oscars Dogs. There will also be the chance to bring pints into the auditorium, alongside the likes of luxury popcorn and snacks.
The cinemas boast a cosy and comfortable range of sofa chairs to set settled on(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“We are super excited about this next phase,” promoters said of the changes. “None of this would be possible without the support of our community, in particular our members.”
But the CULTPLEX team warn that the major changes were always meant to be temporary and the cinema will next year go in the same way as GRUB as it also makes its way to a new location.
The team added: “It’s our final phase at our current location before we proceed with our plans to move to a new location in mid-late 2026.”
The bar serves up a range of beer and wines, as well as Japanese imported soft drinks(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Ahead of Halloween, CULTPLEX is currently hosting its own STAB film festival celebrating all kinds of horror and thriller films. Upcoming screenings on the festival include Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, The Substance, Evil Dead II, and even BBC’s controversial 1992 one-off show Ghostwatch.
On October 18, there will be a Vampire all-nighter featuring The Lost Boys, Let The Right One In, Nosferatu, Lifeforce, and Blade, whilst there is also a quiz night dedicated entirely to The Simpsons’ Treehouse of Horror specials on October 19.
CULTPLEX has gained its own cult status thanks to its range of diverse and quirky screenings and events(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Later this year, CULTPLEX will also have a bustling Christmas schedule of festive specials and treats that will, perhaps, be much more family-friendly than the bulk of STAB.
More details, including screenings and ticket information, can be found here.
CULTPLEX is on 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4HF.
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