The Fan Carpet Share Our Thoughts On Backyard Cinema As Brits Crave The Thrill Of Shared Immersive Experiences With Strangers

The Fan Carpet were lucky enough to be invited to the press night of Backyard Cinema's presentation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN and the whole experience was fantastic!

As part of the Press Night, we were able to experience both immersive areas L.A. Nights and Miami Beach! When we arrived, we were ushered to a waiting area before we "boarded" the Backyard Cinema Airline plane to take us to the first immersive area; L.A. Nights. On the plane, there are two air hostesses that run though the safety procedure of a plane journey, but they dance as well and put on a show, once out of the plane, we made our way to L.A. Nights, which is a really awesome area with rows of comfortable beanbag chairs, a hotel experience with some actors who ushered us into a suite where we enjoyed mocktails. After touring L.A. Nights, we went into Miami Beach, which has a different vibe to L.A Nights, it is set out like a scene from Baywatch, complete with a sand, lifeguard tower and speedboat, it's really fun and plenty of photo opportunities!

Before we took our seats back in the L.A. Nights area for THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, we were treated to really yummy food in the bar area. We took our seats in the L.A. Nights area and we were treated to a sizzle reel showing the history of Backyard Cinema which was very informative and interesting. The presentation of this sizzle reel had the hostesses from the plane dancing and putting on a show. It was fun to watch.

The presentation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN was fantastic, at different parts of the film there was a lightshow that accompanied some of the musical numbers in the film, it was very different to traditional sing-a-long presentations since there were not words on the screen so you weren't distracted by the crowd singing. We hadn't seen the film, so it was nice to experience it in this way!

We would fully recommend Backyard Cinema, if this is the direction that Cinema is going in, then sign us up, this was great and long may it continue! 

Brits crave the thrill of immersive experiences with strangers  

'Shared, immersive experiences' get top billing as the nation’s best night out post lockdown.  According to new research we’re craving nights out that offer a collective connection, after such a long period of living in sensory monotone.

The research - commissioned by the UK's leading experiential cinema venue, Backyard Cinema reveals 64% of 16-24 year olds deem shared, immersive experiences to be a top priority when planning a night out, with half (50%) craving the thrill of enjoying the event with complete strangers.

A whopping three quarters (75%) of this age group consider immersive experiences to be even more important for their overall wellbeing than what they eat, drink, see, hear or touch during a night out. 

And it's not just the younger generation who long for this collective, fun experience. Looking at the overall national statistics, over two thirds of us (67%) believe that ‘shared experiences’ that dial up our senses are much more important for our wellbeing than anything else on the agenda, with 55% deeming it a top priority when planning a night out. 

Experts claim that enjoying the pleasure of a 'shared experience' with like-minded souls has become the nation's 'sixth sense'. Jo Hemmings behavioural psychologist says “The last two years have really reinforced the importance of shared experiences and human connections. We’ve come to value and cherish the importance of collective connections with the people we love and as such spending time making shared memories is even more important than ever before. 

We also recognise from the pandemic that loneliness and feeling disconnected from others can lead to mental health issues, so making time for our own happiness and wellbeing, by being connected to others has become even more important – especially among young people. 

What Backyard Cinema does so well is to amplify our five senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch – so many of which have taken a back seat for so long and reunite them in a perfect and immersive evening out. It reminds us of what we’ve missed, often yearned for and brings those collective senses back in the best possible way – creating a collaborative and highly pleasurable sixth sense!” 

The research also revealed that 43% have yet to return to the cinema since the pandemic but almost half of us (47%) think enjoying the shared connection of a favourite film is much more appealing than simply watching a new release. So, the promise of sharing good times with loved ones – or like-minded strangers - with the familiarity of a classic film as a backdrop is a bigger draw than the Hollywood A-listers! 

In response to these findings and as the ultimate alternative cinema experience and a 'must do’ night out, Backyard Cinema’s summer season – with a combination of cult classics, new releases and firm family favourites - is focused on heightening the sensory experience, making it even more immersive and enjoyable for guests to enjoy together including – flip flops are encouraged for that enhanced beach vibe!

Re-opening its doors at the iconic Capital Studios in Wandsworth from 28 March - for a limited 16 week period only - so there are no holds barred in making sure it's the number one choice for fun, immersive and memorable nights out with loved ones this summer.

Dominic Davies, Founder and CEO of Backyard Cinema, said “I think it’s fair to say the last few years won’t be remembered as vintage fun times. So with the promise of better times ahead we want to make Backyard Cinema an experience that dials up all the senses and a place where people can rediscover not only their favourite films but their summer party vibe and reconnect. Slip into your best summer gear, sing and dance with us, strut your stuff on the beach with us….and have a laugh with a room full of like-minded people. Knowing that spending time with your mates, family or a bunch of stranger sharing a good night out and making new memories together is also good for your health is even more reason to visit.  Let’s all say cheers to that!”   

Miami Beach and L.A. Nights – the sequel   

If you were lucky enough to hit the beach or jump on the plane at Backyard Cinema last year you might think you know what’s in store.  Prepare for that rare sequel surprise – something even better than the original film experience!

Miami Beach and L.A. Nights, Backyard Cinema’s two immersive and very different vibes, offer a ‘pan-film’ experience which is a totally unique, relaxed and multi-sensory affair.  Either sit back in one of our comfy bean bag chairs with cocktail and snacks to hand and enjoy the big screen entertainment - or - feel free to come and go as you please and enjoy the wide range of food, drink and entertainment available on site.

All aboard!   

Guests arrive at the cinema either by plane or via an art deco hotel lobby and are immediately transported to Backyard Cinema’s unique take on a stateside summer holiday experience, which is enhanced this year by a new cast of musical comedy trained actors for a more immersive     show.   So expect nothing less than an all singing, all dancing summer holiday vibe...havianas (and mojitos) at the ready!

The Backyard Cinema multi-sensory experience includes:   

Sight - It’s not all about watching the UK’s biggest new releases or those all-time cult classics on the big screen but how you watch them. Surrounded at every corner with jaw dropping set designs, light shows and selfie moments this cinema is a feast for your senses. Enjoy the likes of The Batman, Death on the Nile, Belfast, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia!, Back to The Future and Pitch Perfect, Backyard Cinema summer season has it all.  

Sound - Our Sing-along Saturdays give cinemagoers the chance to belt out their favourite songs from film favourites like The Greatest Showman, Rocketman and Pitch Perfect to name a few.

Taste – Come and enjoy signature summer cocktails from the Flamingo Beach Bar before, during and after the film to help find your summer beach vibe. Adult Only Slush Puppies will bring nothing but nostalgia as well as Souvenir mocktails for the kids. Award winning street food from the yard is the perfect addition too.

Smell - Feel that hit of nostalgia as you get transported to fond memories through the aromas you find throughout the detailed sets. Sun cream, sunshine, cocktails, event aeroplane scents will trigger those memories during your visit.

Touch – All guests are encouraged to enjoy the collective summer beach vibe by bringing their flip flops and feel the sand beneath their feet. Or the unbelievably realistic plane setting from the clink of seatbelts, to the cool glass of Champagne.

Collective connection – the sixth sense – According to our new research, sharing your night out at Backyard Cinema with loved ones not only enhances your enjoyment of the experience but also makes you happier and improves your wellbeing too.  So, it’s official - Backyard Cinema is good for your health!

Visit Backyard Cinema for more information.