Opened on 22 September 1910, the Grade II-listed Duke of York's is the UK's oldest purpose-built cinema, as verified by the Cinema Theatres Association. Over its one hundred years, it has gone from Edwardian Picture Palace to 'fleapit' to a leading independent and much-loved Brighton cinema.
The Duke of York's was built at the cost of £3,000 by actress-manager Violet Melnotte-Wyatt on the site of the Amber Ale Brewery, the walls of which still form the rear part of the auditorium. It has operated as an arts cinema since 1981, and has passed through several owners and hosted illegal punk rock concerts. It was in a shabby state when it was bought in 1994 by Picturehouse, who invested in the building and restored it to its former glory. In 1991, a 20-foot pair of can-can dancer's legs were acquired from the recently closed Not The Moulin Rouge Theatre in Oxford, and were installed onto the outside front balcony. These were later moved to their current position on the roof during a refurbishment in 1995.
Please note that peak or altered pricing may apply for certain films, special events and holiday periods. More information on pricing is available in our FAQs and Terms & Conditions.
We add a 70p booking fee per ticket (excluding tickets for Picturehouse Members) to bookings made online or over the phone. This fee doesn't apply to tickets you buy in person at the cinema.
3D films may cost £1.30 extra per person, not including 3D glasses (you can buy these at the cinema for an extra £1, free for Members, or bring your own).
*Family tickets are for four people, at least two of whom must be under 15. Not applicable to premium-priced screenings.
Have a question about our prices? We might have the answer in our FAQs.
All day every Monday (excluding bank holidays), you can enjoy great value tickets with Happy Mondays.
Picturehouse Members get to save even more. Please check Monday listings for details.
Relaxed screenings are specially designed to make cinema-going easier and more accessible to those who may need additional support when they visit. These screenings are ideal for neurodivergent audiences of all ages, those living with dementia, and their families, friends, and carers, but all are welcome.
Relaxed screenings will show films without adverts or trailers. Lights are left on low, the volume is reduced, and the audience is free to move around and take breaks from the screen whenever needed.
We typically show:
A new release every second Monday of the month (At Duke's at Komedia)
A family-friendly film every third Sunday of the month (At Duke's at Komedia)
A classic film every last Friday of the month (with interval)
Whilst we do our best to ensure these screenings happen consistently, please note that on occasion the regular slot may change. Make sure to check local listings ahead of your screening.
The Watch with Baby club is for parents and guardians with babies under one year old. Watch with Baby at Duke Of York's takes place on Tuesdays at 11.00.
The Kids' Club is every Saturday at 10.30. Doors open at 10.00.
For children and their parent or carers. Unaccompanied adults will not be admitted.
Join us on Tuesdays at 10.00 for 30 minutes of episodes for preschool children and their parents and carers.
A great way to introduce your toddler to the experience of the cinema!
New and classic films on the big screen where they belong.
A free-to-join club for the over-60s.
Members can enjoy a free tea or coffee and biscuits at the weekly Silver Screen shows.
Silver Screen runs Tuesdays & Thursdays before 17.00 (excluding Bank Holidays).
Non-members are welcome - the usual ticket prices apply.
Click here for upcoming screenings.
Bringing world-class productions of theatre, ballet, opera and live music to the big screen.
U25 is for anyone ages 16–25. Signing up to U25 is FREE. Members have access to discounted tickets at any time Monday to Thursday when booked online and via the Picturehouse App only.
The following bus routes run close to the cinema: 5, 5A, 5B, N5, N8, 91, 37B.
The nearest train stations are London Road Brighton Station (7-minutes walk) and Brighton Station (10-minutes walk).
London Road car park is nearby.
Nearest KIA Charging Station: London Road Car Park 1, BN1 4GE (Type 2)
