The labia theatre
A nostalgic piece of yester-year
Cape Town boasts so many wonderfully unique spaces and interesting hidden gems, one of those is The Labia Theatre.
Situated in Orange Street, in the Gardens area of Cape Town, the Labia stands quietly on the corner, behind beautifully fashioned metal gates and abundant greenery.
The History of the Labia Theatre
I’m fortunate to visit the Labia theatre often, and this quaint building always fascinates me.
Once an Italian Embassy ballroom, today The Labia Theatre is South Africa’s oldest art repertory theatre.
It was first opened by an Italian diplomat, Princess Labia in May 1949, as a theatre for live performances.
However, for the past 40 years, it has been operating as a cinema. Appealing to viewers who enjoy the theatres’ old world charm and ambiance.
The most beautiful cinema in the world
The Labia was recently voted as the 12th most beautiful cinema in the world, and it is easy to see why.
From a beautiful green entry to its art deco gates and pale blue curved architecture, The Labia Theatre stands as a Grand Dame in Cape Town.
Large murals line the outside walls, with with wooden benches and bistro tables, remind you of the streets of Italy as you sip a cocktail, enjoy a coffee or try a delicacy from the small bar and Cafe.
In the evenings, small oil lamps adorn the tables and the gentle light from the lamps cast romantic shadows, making the Labia a great place for that next date night.
Brick paving underfoot, gives a warm and welcoming invite as you enter doors to a time forgotten.
Inside a small kiosk welcomes you and sells tickets and to the left a singular counter for popcorn and snacks.
Far removed from the large scale movie houses, the Labia invites you into an era of vintage charm. A period of time where going to the theatre was magic, engulfed in luxury. 
With red velvet fabric framing the cinemas doorways and the few chairs in the enterance area, it’s easy to imagine the live theatre of the 40s.
For me, the bathrooms with their rows of Early year Hollywood star prints, set the ambiance for a truly rich movie experience.
New world technology meets old world charm
Whilst a trip down nostalgic lane is wonderful, technology requires most businesses to adapt to survive and The labia, moving with the times, has converted to digital projection and offers superior sound and pictures amidst the old world charm of smaller theatres and old world decor.
The Labia has 4 screens. The largest of these is a 176 seater and the smallest, an intimate 50 seater and still offers an eclectic mix of movies.
There is something for everyone, as the Labia screens:
- movies from the best of circuit
- independent movies
- foreign films
- documentaries
- classics
- other alternative and art circuit films.
Book your experience today
