We spoke with Dominic Davis, Founder and CEO of Backyard Cinema, about what revellers can expect from the unique pop-up film venue
“It started over ten years ago in my garden, which is where it gets its name from. It was originally invented to just watch some films with mates but it was costing me a fortune in burgers, beers and popcorn,” explained Dominic, as we perched on one of the benches that make up the rather impressive rooftop terrace at Depot Mayfield.
“I asked if [my mates] would chip in a fiver to come watch,” continued Dominic, adding "They told me, 'Absolutely not. There’s no way we’re paying to come to your garden’. So I thought, well maybe I can take this to market instead. Ten years later we’re one of the biggest outdoor cinemas in the UK.”
We’ve created a world in which you can watch a multitude of different films
The recommissioned venue has been transformed into a Miami beach front for four weeks only, with all the bells and whistles you'd expect: palm trees; sand; DJ booth; a hotel façade complete with revolving door; and a bellboy and hotel manager that interact with the audience, gearing them up for a night of 80s style entertainment.
“When we found this venue on the top of Depot Mayfield it was basically a no-brainer for us. It’s a fantastic location to reactivate, so we decided to build a cinema on the roof.”
This edition of Backyard Cinema promises to be more than your average trip to the movies, with all the typical necessities and then some. There’s live entertainment from an interactive cast as well as DJ sets complete with all your favourite cheesy 80s hits. There’s also food and drink vendors on site as well as special sing-along events designed to get you up out of your beanbag seat and dancing along to musicals and cult classics.
Each Backyard Cinema pop-up has its own theme which determines the genre of films available in that particular city at that particular time.
“We’ve created a world in which you can watch a multitude of different films. This time, we’ve created Miami beach so we’ve got all the summer blockbusters that are really going to make the most of the theme.”
Some of the most popular upcoming showings include The Little Mermaid, Barbie, Back to the Future and Pulp Fiction as well as sing-along screenings of Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Grease and The Greatest Showman.
Tickets for Backyard Cinema start from just £9.50 and can be purchased via the website.
Depot Mayfield, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY
