BBC CBeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh cinemas

The CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from tomorrow (Friday 21st November). 

This new adaptation of Cinderella starring Evie Pickerill, Rhys Stephenson, Justin Fletcher and Jennie Dale was set and was filmed in Bradford as part of the BBC’s City of Culture partnership.

Now a festive family tradition, CBeebies Panto Cinderella is the eighth CBeebies pantomime to receive a big screen release since 2018.  It premieres in cinemas across the UK with an exclusive song and can be enjoyed throughout the festive season.

This fun, distinctively CBeebies take sees Cinderella, Buttons and some funny new characters in a show packed with singing, dancing and comedy for all the family.

When Prince Brad announces he’s hosting a dazzling Mirror Ball, Cinderella sets off on a journey to find her perfect “thing” to bring to the party. With encouragement from her loyal friend Buttons, she tries her hand at crafting, cooking, and even sports – all while fending off the antics of the hyper competitive Darcy Dribble.

Just as Cinderella begins to lose hope, a visit to the local corner shop reveals her fairy godparents in disguise, ready to conjure up a pumpkin carriage, a sparkling party dress, and a golden microphone that will change everything.

The hilarious adventure stars a host of CBeebies favourites and is filled with twists, turns, magic and music, including a song exclusive to cinemas.

Eve Gabereau, Director of Distribution at Vue Lumiere, said: “The CBeebies panto has built up a loyal following who love to visit the cinema to indulge in the festive fun on offer.

“We’re delighted to be working with the BBC again this year to bring the annual panto delights to over 350 cinemas across the UK and Ireland, and allowing families and friends to see it on the big screen together.

“It’s a fantastic big screen event that we hope will encourage kids to fall in love with the cinema experience, as well as providing a fun day out for the whole family.”

Lesley Bailey, Head of Franchise Brands for BBC Content said: “The CBeebies Panto introduces preschoolers to their first ever panto and cinema experience.  Bringing families together across the UK to enjoy beautiful storytelling, slap stick comedy and sing along moments from their favourite performers, all wrapped up in CBeebies’ bow.”

CBeebies Christmas Panto: Cinderella will be in Vue Edinburgh Ocean Terminal, Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre, Cineworld Edinburgh, Odeon Fort Kinnaird and Odeon Luxe Edinburgh West from Friday 21st November, with tickets and listings available now at www.cbeebiespanto.com.

Vue cinemas to do a special screening of Wicked: For Good

Magic is in the air at Vue as Wicked: For Good, the follow-up to last year’s global big screen sensation, returns to venues on 21 November.  

Fans wanting to catch Wicked: For Good before anyone else – spreading a little magic in the process – can attend a special MediCinema screening at 11am on Thursday 20 November. All proceeds from this special screening will go directly to MediCinema, which offers therapeutic cinema sessions across NHS hospital in the UK.  

There’s also a chance for filmgoers to see a special double-feature screening of both titles later the same day, allowing audiences to experience the epic saga in one sitting. 

The excitement doesn’t start there, with Vue’s in Scotland hosting special Magic Seat Screenings for two consecutive weekends (22 and 28 November), which will see two lucky fans from each screening being chosen at random to win a magical treat – all depending on which seats they’re in.  

Prizes up for grabs include Ozian-themed LUSH body sprays, signed and framed Wicked posters, Wicked-themed LEGO sets and a Westfield shopping experience for two, including one night in a four-star hotel plus £500 to spend at the mall. 

And for those wanting to bring home a piece of the magic, limited-edition merchandise will also be on offer – including emerald green and blush pink reusable cups, topped with either mini Glinda or Elphaba figurines, as well as a light-up popcorn bucket in the shape of a hot air balloon.  

Rob Lea, Head of Screen Content of Vue UK and Ireland, said: “After the spellbinding success of last year’s Wicked, we have high expectations for this star-studded conclusion.

“To mark the occasion, we’re treating audiences to an extra special experience at Vue with our exclusive merch, double bill feature and extra special Magic Seat Screenings.  

“We welcome fans to enjoy every musical note and magical moment of this highly anticipated release, the way it was meant to be seen – on the big screen”. 

Tickets for Wicked: For Good, including Vue’s exclusive Magic Seat Screenings, are on sale now. To book your tickets, visit www.myvue.com  

Vue venues to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X-Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

Marking 25th anniversary of their big screen debut, Marvel’s mutant team-up including favourites such as Cyclops, Storm, Professor X and a career defining role for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine has gone on to become one of the genre’s most beloved franchises with some of the cast even returning in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

Back from today, Friday 16 May,  X-Men and X-Men 2 introduces us to the world of the X-Men as Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his band of heroes must protect the world, and mutant-kind themselves, from the evil forces such as Sabretooth, William Stryker and the legendary villain Magneto (Ian McKellan).

Revisiting the origins behind the friendship and mortal adversary between Professor X and Magneto (this time played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender), X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past dives back into the 1960’s & 70’s to explain how the team originally learned how to control their powers and  got together from Friday 6 June.

The series most acclaimed spin-offs will also be returning to the big screen as the beloved final tale starring Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Logan, sees the character embark on a claws out adventure with a mysterious young girl who is showing similar mutant powers to him on Friday 13 June. 

Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “With fantastic stories and climatic action sequences, superhero films have easily become one of the most popular genres to catch up on the big screen.

“That’s why we’re hugely excited to bring one of the first franchises to start it all, The X-Men, back to Vue – offering a way for families and fans to enjoy their favourite mutant moments on the big screen.

“Whether you’re a fan of the original films, the prequels versions of the team or just excited to rewatch these adventures before the X-Men show up in the MCU with Avengers: Doomsday next year, we welcome fans to enjoy these films as they’re meant to be seen on the big screen at Vue.’

Tickets start from just £7.99 when booked online.

To find out more, visit myvue.com

X-Men Back on the Big Screen season

  • X-Men (25th anniversary) – From 16 May
  • X2 – From 16 May
  • X-Men: First Class  – From 6 June
  • X-Men: Days Of Future Past – From 6 June
  • Logan – From 13 June

World Theatre Day: Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue venues in Edinburgh this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day tomorrow (Thursday 27 March), Vue venues in Edinburgh are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

Kicking things off is the National Theatre’s world premiere adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece, Dr. Strangelove.

This bold stage version of the iconic film sees seven-time BAFTA Award winner Steven Coogan take on four different roles in this explosively humorous satire. From Emmy winning Armando Iannucci (The Thick of ItVeep) and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow), Dr. Strangelove follows the US government and an eccentric scientist as they scramble to avert global destruction after a rogue U.S. General triggers a nuclear attack…

Marking its 20th anniversary, the musical adaptation of the Academy Award winning Billy Elliot the Musical will be pirouetting onto the big screen from 30 March.

Filmed at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London’s West End, it tells the story of a young boy in the 1980s who discovers a passion for ballet and dance, inspiring his family and his community.

With the original creative team from the film and music from British legend Elton John, this funny and uplifting theatrical experience is not one to miss.

Arriving next month, the big screen debut of the Tony award-winning box office smash-hit SIX the Musical Live! heads to Vue for a one-off showstopping cinematic experience from 6 April.

This global theatre phenomenon, filmed at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, reunites the original cast in a new take on the long-misunderstood wives of Henry VIII as they strut out of the shadow of their infamous husband to reclaim their own stories in their own words.

Finally, to mark National Shakespeare Day on 18 April, an all-star production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth brings an immersive take on the The Scottish Play to Vue – filmed especially for the big screen.

Starring acting royalty David Tennant (Doctor WhoBroadchurch) and Cush Jumbo (The Good WifeCriminal Record), catch Shakespeare’s beloved tragic tale masterfully performed at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “World Theatre Day is a fantastic opportunity for us all to celebrate the magic and the marvel of theatre – in every shape it takes

“We’re thrilled to offer theatre and musical fans the opportunity to catch some of the most acclaimed productions and performances all from the comfort of their local Vue venue.”

To find out more visit https://www.myvue.com/big-screen-events/theatre.

Something Wicked this way comes 

Vue venues in Edinburgh to celebrate all things Oz as popular adaptation hits the big screen

To celebrate the arrival of Wicked this month (22 November) Vue has announced a selection of spectacular treats for Ozians – including a special screening, a precious keepsake and the return of a classic. 

Based on the award-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked tells the untold story of the wonderful land of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship forged between green witch Elphaba and the popular Glinda.   

Starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda, fans can expect favourite tunes such as Popular and Defying Gravity in all their splendour from the comfort of Vue’s luxury seating.  

To add to the spectacle, Vue is inviting fans to an extra colourful screening of Wicked across sites on Saturday 23 November, where audiences are encouraged to wear an outfit or accessories that pay homage to the two iconic colours of the stage show, pink and green.

Those attending this special pink & green screening will be able to get their hands on a limited and unique LEGO piece which features a green potion bottle and pink rose, representing Elphaba and Glinda. This precious memento will only be available at Vue for this specific screening. 

Vue will also be providing some wickedly fantastic merch to mark the release of the film, not to mention two exclusive Tango Ice Blasts – Defying Raspberry and Cherry Goodness only available at Vue.  

Finally, ahead of the release of Wicked, Vue will be returning to Oz with a Back On The Big Screen release of the 1939 cinematic classic The Wizard Of Oz from the 15 November, offering Ozians an opportunity to adventure down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion once more.  

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “Wicked was an absolute sensation when it launched on the stage and we’re confident that the magic will translate onto the big screen. 

“With tickets now on sale, we’re thrilled to invite Ozians and film fans alike to enjoy every musical note and magical moment of this spell-binding release on the big screen, all from the luxury of our comfortable leather seating and incredible surround sound.”    

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com 

Fantastic family films headline this October half term at Vue venues in Edinburgh

A mixture of old and new faces are heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh this October Scottish half term – offering plenty of opportunities for audiences of all ages to enjoy a trip to the big screen. 

Families and film fans are invited to Cybertron in Transformers One, which rolls out at Vue sites just in time for the Scottish school holidays on 11 October. Learn the untold origin story of the iconic Autobot hero Optimus Prime and the villainous Megatron – and discover how these two sworn enemies were once close friends.

The first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie to appear on the big screen, Transformers One will be an action-packed adventure with everyone’s favourite Robots in Disguise. 

Also for the Scottish half term, film fans eager to catch Dreamwork’s The Wild Robot will be able to enjoy Scotland only exclusive screenings at Vue on the 16th & 17th October, promising a beautiful, wild ride for all the family.

Following the charming tale of Roz, a futuristic robot who finds themselves on a deserted island filled with adorable animals, The Wild Robot is set to be a hugely emotional journey packed with discovery when it hits the big screen this month.

One of 2024’s most popular family favourite is also returning to the big screen this October, screening everyday of the school holidays as part of Vue’s Mighty Mornings with our favourite emotions in Pixar’s Inside Out 2 – available from just £2.49 when booked online.

Providing a short and sweet set of screenings for younger audience members, Vue’s Big Shorts will invite audiences to spend time with some of their favourite TV characters, with Bing & Friends: Birthday Celebration showing each day from 11 October.  

From just £3.99 when booked online, these screenings offer a relaxed big screen environment with dimmed lights and reduced sound, tailor-made for younger film fans aged one to four.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We’ve got a great selection of new films and family favourites heading to the big screen this October half term, offering an ideal way to enjoy quality family time together this school holiday.

“Parents and children can come along, switch off and immerse themselves in great stories.”

Tickets are available at www.myvue.com

Family Fun this October Half Term at Vue line-up

Transformers One – from 11 October
Vue’s Big Shorts – Bing & Friends: Birthday Celebration – w/c 11 October
Mighty Mornings: Inside Out 2  – from 11 October & 18 October
The Wild Robot – from 16 October

Spooky season brings iconic classics and horror hits to Vue this Halloween

To get into the spirit this Halloween season, some of the latest horror blockbusters – as well as creepy classics and enchanting family favourites – will be heading to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh, providing a treat for people of all ages, tastes and fear factors.

Throughout October, a host of terrifying new releases as part of Vue’s Spooky Season are heading to the big screen with plenty for film fans to be grinning about, including Smile 2 on the 18 October– the follow-up to the horror hit of 2022.

About to embark on a new world tour, this sinister sequel follows a global pop sensation, who begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events revolving around smiling figures.

More frightfully fun blockbusters make their debut in October along with eerie family drama The Front Room (25 October), a new take of Stephen King’s iconic horror tale Salem’s Lot (11 October) and the return of cult favourite Art the Clown, who returns to cause havoc in Terrifier 3 which cackles onto the big screen on 11 October.

The tricks and treats don’t stop, as Vue’s Back on the Big Screen offering, is delivering some Halloween fun which is perfect for all the family including stop-motion animated icon The Nightmare Before Christmas on 25 October and the return of feelgood classic Ghostbusters, which celebrates its 40th anniversary back at Vue on 18 October.

Other classic Halloween films making their way back include cult classic Carrie which is fully remastered in 4K and A Nightmare Of Elm Street, which marks the 40th anniversary since iconic slasher Freddie Krueger first appeared on the big screen.

Naomi Scott stars in Paramount Pictures Presents A Temple Hill Production A Parker Finn FIlm “SMILE 2”

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Ocean, said: “This Halloween, we’re thrilled to be able to put on a raft of new and classic films for our scary and spooky film-lovers.

“From family-friendly comedy horrors to cult favourites, we know how gripping scary films can be and want to provide the very best big screen experience for people to enjoy every laugh and every scare this October.”

Tickets are available at www.myvue.com

Spooky Season at Vue includes:

11-Oct               Salem’s Lot

11-Oct               Terrifier 3

11-Oct               The Evil Dead 2

18- Oct             Smile 2

18-Oct               Carrie (4K Restoration)

18-Oct               Ghostbusters (40th Anniversary)

25-Oct               Nightmare On Elm Street (40th Anniversary)

25-Oct               The Nightmare Before Christmas

25-Oct               Ghostbusters 2 (35th Anniversary)

25-Oct              The Front Room

Vue invites film fans to head back to 1999 this summer

This summer Vue is turning back the clock to 1999 by screening seven iconic films from the 20th century’s final year.

With mind-boggling sci-fis, classic teen comedies and animated favourites heading back to the big screen, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.

Ahead of its time and spawning not one but three sequels, The Matrix will be returning from 8 June. The brainchild of the Wachowskis, it’s hard to believe we were first introduced to Neo and his followers 25 years ago.

Another blockbuster (sand)storming back onto the big screen this summer is The Mummy. Arriving from 6 July, travel back to 1920s Egypt as English librarian Evie, her trickster brother Jonathan and hunky guide Rick accidently unleash a curse which had been laid on the dead High Priest Imhotep for centuries.

Arguably one of the most quotable films in movie history, American Pie is also celebrating its 25th birthday this year. The ultimate teen movie, starring the iconic Jennifer Coolidge as Stiffler’s mum, will be gracing Vue from 19 July.

One for the family, Toy Story 2 will be flying back onto screens from 20 July. In Pixar’s classic sequel Buzz and his friends vow to rescue Woody, who finds himself stolen by a toy collector, only to discover the idea of immortality in a museum tempting…

Also returning to the big screen will be sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest (from 21 June) starring Sigourney Weaver, classic rom-com She’s All That (from 29 June) starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and action thriller Deep Blue Sea (from 26 July) starring Samuel L Jackson.

Toby Bradon, general manager at Vue UK & Ireland, said: “Here at Vue we pride ourselves on screening so much more than just blockbusters, as our latest Back on the Big Screen season shows.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since these classic films were first released. We’re thrilled to be sharing them on the big screen, the way they were meant to be seen.”

For more information or to book tickets visit www.myvue.com

Full listings

The Matrix – From 8 June

Galaxy Quest – From 21 June

She’s All That – From 29 June

The Mummy – From 6 July

American Pie – From 19 July

Toy Story 2 – From20 July

Deep Blue Sea – From26 July

Celebrate International Women’s Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Friday (8 March) marks International Women’s Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.

Follow the 1971 Women’s World Cup in Copa ‘71, which tells the story of football teams from all over the world gathering in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium to compete in front of more than 100,000 spectators.

It was the last women’s World Cup until the official FIFA event 20 years later. Dismissed by the male-dominated football associations around the world, the event was written out of history — until now.

Taking audiences back to 1889, Cabrini tells the story of an Italian immigrant who arrives in New York City and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children.

Follow Frances Cabrini as she sets off on a daring mission to convince the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for society’s most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, she uses her entrepreneurial mind to help improve the city and quality of life for its inhabitants.

Also screening on International Women’s Day is Vindication Swim. Set in the 1920s, it tells the story of Mercedes Gleitze, who became the first British woman to swim the English Channel.

The film portrays Gleitze’s upstream struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of Britain at the time. However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced to retain the record – and her legacy.

Another inspiring true story screening this Friday, Origin is based on the New York Time’s best-seller Caste.

It chronicles the tragedy and triumph of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson as she investigates a global phenomenon of epic proportions. Isabel experiences unfathomable personal loss and love as she crosses continents and cultures to craft one of the defining American books of our time.

Toby Bradon, General Manager for Vue UK & Ireland, said: “Vue prides itself on showcasing a diverse range of content on the big screen. 

“While we aim to champion film created by and made on inspiring women every day of the year, we’re particularly proud to be shining a light on these four incredible stories this International Women’s Day.”

Tickets can be booked online from just £4.99 at selected venues. To find out more visit myvue.com

Barbenheimer DIY double bill returns to Vue this weekend as both films receive Oscar nominations

Film fans are in for a treat this weekend, with two of 2023’s biggest films – Barbie and Oppenheimer – returning to Vue sites in Edinburgh.

This week saw both films securing an impressive 21 Oscar nominations between them. Together, they created the cultural phenomenon ‘Barbenheimer’ – a huge moment not just in cinema, but in pop culture as a whole.

It was revealed on Tuesday (23 January) that Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is up for 13 gongs, while Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is not far behind with eight.

To celebrate the impressive feat, film fans will once again be able to enjoy a DIY double feature of both titles at Vue Edinburgh Omni and Vue Edinburgh Ocean this Saturday.

Toby Bradon, General Manager at Vue UK & Ireland, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be welcoming back not one but two great blockbusters on Saturday 27 January and can’t wait to relive the magical movie moments from Great Gerwig and Christopher Nolan.

‘Both films performed brilliantly at the Golden Globes, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for them at this year’s Oscars.’

Tickets start from just £7.99 when booked online. Visit myvue.com to find out more.