The Labia Theatre is a cinema tucked away in Orange Street in Cape Town. It’s close to the popular Lord Nelson Hotel, which offers an elegant high tea experience, and the Cape Town Company Gardens. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the high school I attended. The Labia is an independent cinema with a fascinating history. It used to be a ballroom for the Italian Consulate in Cape Town. It’s named after Princess Labia, an Italian princess. Today the cinema provides Cape Town’s moviegoers with a special moviegoing experience. Here are the reasons why I love the Labia theatre.

Old feel

The cinema has an old-school feel to it. The interior and the ticket stubs are all themed. At times there are even doormen dressed up in top hats. You might spot a red carpet. Even the popcorn maker fits in with the overall style of the Labia theatre. Overall, the place gives off a different welcomed ambiance.

Drinks

DrinksThe Labia theatre has a liquor license. This means that you can have a drink while watching a film. There are many options to choose from: beer, ciders, and hard liquor; they even have glüwhein. There’s also a vodka spiked slushie option.

The specials

There are excellent 2 for 1 specials running at the Labia cinema almost daily. All the specials include 2 movie tickets along with two set meals. To get these specials, go to the participating restaurant, first order the Labia special, and present your till slip at the Labia cinema.

All the restaurants are close to the Labia theatre. Considering that movie tickets are R140 pp in Cape Town, this is a terrific deal. For R200, you’d only get two movie tickets at mainstream cinemas around the city. At the Labia, you get two meals and two tickets for less.

Ticket cost

The standard ticket cost is R90 at the Labia cinema. This makes the ticket cheaper than other theatres. If you are a movie addict like me, then consider buying the bundle ticket offer. It gets you 10 tickets, so you end up with 2 free tickets.

Food

There are snacks and other smaller food items, like muffins, on sale at the cinema. You have the option of eating at one of the outside tables. You are also allowed to eat inside the theatre. It’s a convenient way to grab a quick, light bite to eat before, during, or after the film.

No booking seats

My American friend Irene told me that there are no booking seats at US cinemas. This isn’t normal in South Africa, where you have to book your seat number when buying your ticket. The Labia cinema has a first come, first served policy, so you sit wherever. I like this because I get to see how close or far away I will be sitting from the screen.

The films

The Labia usually plays only a few mainstream films at a time. They play foreign films, art house films, documentaries, historical films, and indie films. It’s a magnificent line-up often where you get to watch something different. I have watched alone in Berlin, Mama Mia 2, Beatrice at dinner, and more at the Labia.

Film festivals

There are regular interesting film festivals happening at the Labia. They host Spanish film festivals, environmental film festivals, and more.

Appealing events

The Labia theatre hosts events occasionally. Burlesque, ballet, and jazz shows have all been held at the venue. The open outside area, balcony, bar, and cosy character of the screening rooms all make it a perfect event venue.

Free screenings

It’s super rare if you follow the Labia Theatre Facebook page; you might score a free film. There were a few free films screen last year. One of them was the cult classic The Fan, starring Frank Di Franco.

The staff

The staff at the Labia theatre is friendly. It’s a small place, and you tend to see the same faces at the cinema. It isn’t as busy when compared to other cinemas. This all adds to the special movie-going experience that the Labia theatre provides.

Important information
Address: 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Operating times: 11:00 am – 10:30pm daily
Ticket price: R50 pp
Tel: +27 21 424 5927
E-mail: labiatheatre@telkomsa.net
Website: thelabia.co.za
You can book tickets online at: webtickets.co.za

Thank you very much for reading my blog. Please do feel free to comment.

Wishing you many happy travels!