Prince Charles Cinema Saved with 25-Year Lease After Two Years of Uncertainty

The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square — one of London's most celebrated independent repertory cinemas, known for sing-along screenings, cult midnight movies and discounted tickets — announced on 15 October 2026 that it has signed a 25-year lease with no break clause, securing its future for a generation. The venue had been threatened with closure since early 2025 when its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd (a subsidiary of developer Criterion Capital), demanded rent far above market rate as part of what appeared to be a move toward redevelopment of the site. A sustained public campaign — backed by film fans, industry figures and several prominent cultural organisations — pressed for the cinema to be saved. In a statement, the Prince Charles Cinema said: 'After 21 months of uncertainty, we're delighted to have secured the future of the cinema, and we couldn't have done it without the support, commitment and belief of many, many people.' The cinema, which has operated on the same site since 1962, is known for its programme of classic, cult and independent films at ticket prices considerably below those of mainstream multiplexes. The 25-year term and the absence of any break clause means the venue is now protected from the development pressure that came close to ending its run.