New Cinema & Entertainment Space for Crouch End this Summer

Boom-Tish! promoter Tom Barrie is converting the Music Palace premises in central Crouch End into a multi-purpose entertainment venue including a small cinema.

The Music Palace has been well loved local entertainment space for years now. Tom Barrie, host of the Boom-Tish! comedy nights which have been running at the venue, is now planning big changes. The existing space will be converted into a theatre and live performance area that can also be adapted for events. At the front of the building there will  be a cafe-bar which will include a small stage area.

Perhaps most exciting of all, the plans will also see a 90 seat cinema at the rear of the building. The aim is to show films throughout the day. So its repertoire will stretch from children's and youth film to showcasing independent film and maybe even some new releases. Tom's also looking at the potential for live streaming major events and stage performances.

Tom told Harringay Online, "I'm planning to create public and private events in the space that bring all of the spaces together. For example, mulled wine and carols in the bar, Christmas show in the theatre and It's a Wonderful Life in the cinema!!!"

Micro-cinemas and pop-up cinemas have been growing steadily in popularity for a few years now. The epicentre for this small cinema movement has been Berlin. A few years back you could walk to about three cinemas from any given point. A small cinema might be on the fifth floor in a flat with 13 seats. In some they don't even have any proper cinema seats, so they build them out of bricks with cushions.

Crouch End already arguably has some pop-up cinema with the film nights in the Moors Bar. Whilst over in Harringay, The Salisbury run their own pop-up cinema.

Tom's plans take things to the next level, however. He's planing to launch in late May / early June.  I wish him every success.

You can start getting involved now and help Tom and the team think of a name for the venue. They're after something that "encompasses what the area, and the planned usage of the building are all about". You've got till 9th Feb 2013 to get your ideas in to tom.musicpalace@gmail.com.

If your name is chosen, you'll get the starlet treatment and will be invited to unveil the sign that will appear at the front of the building. You'll also be the guest star at a star-studded gala launch party later in the year!