The Reader Cinema FAQ’s

How to find us

For outdoor screenings, the Garden is located behind the Mansion House in Calderstones Park, L18 3JB. You will need to enter via the side gate next to The Reader Bookshop.

For Mini Movies, please head to the main entrance of the Mansion House.

What time can I arrive?

The Garden gates will open one hour before the event (except for The Rocky Horror Picture Show on 1 November when gates will open 90mins before the screening time).

For Mini Movies, doors open 30 minutes before the film begins.

How does the screening work?

For outdoor screenings:

Our large cinema screen will be installed in our beautiful Mansion House garden. For our Spooky Season films we will also have a giant canopy which will be large enough for everybody to sit underneath, along with heaters to keep things cosy and warm. We do still encourage bookers to wrap up warm and bring blankets to stay extra snug during the screening. Everyone will receive a pair of headphones on arrival to use during the screening so you can control the volume yourself.

For Mini Movies, the screen will be in the Mansion House Theatre Room and played through the speakers.

Where can I sit?

This is an outdoor event and the layout for this production is unreserved seating. Unless you have booked a pre-pitched deckchair as an add-0n, please bring your own chairs (no high backed, please), blankets and any other low-level accessories to sit on.

For Mini Movies, we'll have a selection of unreserved chairs, bean bags and blankets.

If you require an accessible seat, please let us know in advance by emailing tickets@thereader.org.uk.

How long is the event?

The running time for each film is available on our booking page.

Will the screening be cancelled due to bad weather? 

In the event of heavy rain or extreme wind, our team will assess whether the event should be cancelled for comfort and safety. As the weather can change very quickly, we will not make this decision until the 1-2 hours before gates are due to open on the day of the event. In the event of a cancellation, we will contact all bookers immediately by email and will offer you the option of a full refund or where possible, an exchange to another date.  

Where can I park? 

We have free, limited parking at Calderstones park and encourage cycling or public transport when possible. Bikes can be locked up outside the Mansion House.

Please use the entrance on Calderstones Road closest to Cromptons Lane. There are two car parks, one close to the entrance and one directly behind The Storybarn and Ice Cream Parlour. Accessible parking spaces are also limited so please consider saving parking spaces for those who need them.

You can find out more information about travelling and parking here.

Do I need to print my tickets?

Please don't print your tickets, the Box Office Team will greet you at the gate and ask for the name you booked under.

Ticket Terms and Conditions

View the conditions here.

Is the Garden accessible? 

Yes, we have a designated access area for those who need it. If you’d like to talk to a member of the team about your access requirements, please email tickets@thereader.org.uk and we'll be happy to accommodate.

Accessible toilets are located inside the Mansion house and accessible parking is also available.

Can I bring my own food and drink? 

We encourage you to support our charity by purchasing from The Reader.

For outdoor screenings, we'll be serving up freshly baked pizzas, gourmet hot dogs, fully loaded nachos, ice cream, popcorn, beers, wines, cocktails, and hot / soft drinks.

You can pre order no later than 6 hours before the event to beat the queues and save 10%.

We cannot allow the consumption of alcohol that is not bought on the premises in the Garden, however, you’re welcome to grab a drink from our pop-up bar where we’ll be accepting card payments only.

For Mini Movies, a full selection of food and drink will be available at our cafe's.

Can I smoke in the Garden?

Following customer feedback, if you wish to smoke or vape, please do so outside the Garden gate.

Can I purchase tickets on the door?

We encourage you to book in advance from our website. Tickets may not be available on the day.

Can I bring my dog?