The Labia Theatre — Attraction in Cape Town Ward 115

At more than 70 years old, The Labia Theatre is - according to its website - “the oldest Independent Art-Repertory Cinema in South Africa, showing the best of circuit, independent movies, foreign films, documentaries, classics and other alternative and art circuit films.” I’ve long known about The Labia but only recently visited for the first time. As movie theatres go, it is quite different, with a quirkiness that gives it a unique and Alice-in-Wonderland-like feel. You can tell it’s a theatre by creatives and for creatives or the arty at heart. I’m also impressed that it has lasted as long as it has, including surviving the Covid-19 lockdowns, which decimated the industry in our country.

Two things struck me about the place as I walked in: the copious greenery and the bright and bold colours on the walls and fittings. Both these elements gave the impression of a place that is loved and well looked after by those responsible. Space is limited, and so the plants and bright paint also bring life and vibrancy into the space, and add to the ‘fantasy land’ feel of the place.

The lobby is artfully decorated with movie memorabilia in the form of posters of old movies but also camera equipment from days gone by. In addition to the box office, there is a chocolate bar that also serves alcoholic drinks, a coffee shop and a pop up shop selling ladies’ clothing. The inside of the lobby is cramped but there is plenty of seating outside to enjoy a chat or drink - or both - while waiting for your movie to start.

The selection of movies is as you would expect in an alternative cinema - a combination of current blockbusters, indie productions and documentaries. I liked the selection on offer at the time that I went, and enjoyed the movie I watched. It is advisable to book online otherwise you may have to wait to buy a ticket at the venue until the extent of the online sales has been determined. The theatre also caters for private functions and corporate events. Well worth...

Best movie spot by far. Picture this: You stroll into Labia, and instead of the usual popcorn aroma, you're greeted by the sweet scent of popcorn mixed with hops and barley. You approach the concessions, but instead of the usual candy, you're faced with a choice of beers or wine. Decisions, decisions!

As you settle into your comfy seat, you realize that Labia's motto should be, 'Why sip soda when you can savor a stout?' The movie starts, and you're in awe of the crisp picture and surround sound. But you're not just watching; you're sipping and laughing, sipping and crying, sipping and... well, you get the idea.

This place turns 'dinner and a movie' into 'drink and a movie.' They've officially elevated the cinematic experience to 'brewtiful' heights! So, if you're looking for the best movie spot by far, where you can buy a beer and drink it in the movies, Labia Movie Theatre is your hoppy place. Cheers to movie magic with a cold...

The "Chocolate Bar" as mentioned on the website is a cash only tuck shop, where you can get popcorn and snacks. The website says credit cards accepted, but that doesn't include the "Chocolate Bar" or the bar section. The bar section has snapscan however. The theatre I went into wasn't kept to the highest level of neat and tidy. Light fixtures were missing cover and looks unpleasant to the eye. The lobby section needs some cleaning up and styling and the "Chocolate Bar" could also do with a slight face lift behind the counter. There is unreserved seating which might not work out for big groups of people. As I saw happen to a group of four people that came late. So the sooner you get into a theatre the better. The website is old school just like the theatre, I would redesign it if offered by Labia Theatre. I would give more stars but due to the above 2 stars, but all in all nice and different experience and cheap...