Ferco features Fantastic Phoenix

Historic background of the Phoenix Cinema

The Independent cinema, now known as The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, London is a real gem. It was built in 1910, opened in 1912, and is a fine example of Art Deco design. It’s interesting to note that the first screening at the newly opened East Finchley Picturedrome was of a film about the Titanic, which was in all the newsreels, having just sunk! In 1929, when “talkies” arrived, this cinema (called The Coliseum at that time) was the first in the area to screen Al Jolson’s “The Singing Fool”.

Over the years, The Phoenix has undergone several name and ownership changes and was bought by the Phoenix Cinema Trust in 1985. Following intensive, dedicated work by many people and organisations over the years, it has managed to pivot in response to changing market conditions and has a very loyal audience. Thankfully, English Heritage recognised the importance of its barrel-vaulted ceiling and its 1938 Mollo and Egan decorative wall panels and gave it a Grade II listing. A combination of all these historical events has ensured that it continues to be a much loved, beautiful venue. As with every upmarket cinema with modern expectations, it also now features an “in-cinema bar” at the back of the auditorium.

Screen 1 renovation

The latest project at The Phoenix has just been completed, which is the upgrade of seating and audience experience in screen 1 whilst maintaining the ambience for which the venue is loved and respecting and highlighting the original features.

The expectation of today’s cinema-going audience is for an enhanced experience. Increased legroom and comfort, great food and drink, and the latest sound and projection. With a full programme of live events, film, and event cinema, the Trustees wanted to provide an elevated experience with more legroom and different price points within the same auditorium to ensure inclusivity and give patrons more choice. To this end, they chose to provide both single and sofa seating, and this is demonstrated visually with different fabric hues.

Ferco's contribution to the space

The seating and sofas are upholstered in gold and red velvet, reflecting the existing decorative wall panels. Audience comfort was a high priority so the auditorium was re-stepped to give better sightlines and more leg and seat width space. Ferco uses specialist foams that are highly durable and provide ergonomic support. The Paragon seat is a firm favourite with independent cinema operators as it is highly customisable, extremely comfortable,e and has a 40-year track record in high use cinema environments.

The Paragon seat also has a wide range of accessibility features - seats can be repositioned easily as they are on castors, which ensures the Phoenix is inclusive for all.

The Alvar 2 fabric for the seating was supplied by Clarke & Clarke (part of the Sanderson Group), who, like Ferco, consider sustainability a very important part of what they do. The two companies have received many environmental accolades between them. Both companies respect, care, and show compassion for our world and everyone who lives in it.

Robert Kenny, Executive Director of The Phoenix, says:

“The replacement of seating in our most beautiful auditorium was very important to get right. Our number one choice of partner was Ferco, and the team worked closely with us and recommended the Paragon 588 Club Seats. We chose a combination of standard, sofa, and premium seats, and the response from our valued customers has been overwhelmingly positive.

A new era for the Phoenix Cinema can be enjoyed in the most comfortable of seats with generous width and leg-room offering superior comfort”.

The Phoenix has taken flight to new heights once again, showing that with love, care, and attention, anything is possible.