If your weekly grind has you climbing the walls, keep on climbing ’til you hit the roof. Or (if less inclined towards strenuous activities) take the elevator to where Perth’s latest offering of outdoor cinema awaits.
With various outdoor cinemas around Perth I was surprised to hear of yet another joining the fray. The Producers of the Fringe World Festival have served up a new Rooftop Movies concept held in Perth’s CBD at the top of Roe Street Carpark.
“A carpark?!” I hear you exclaim, “what the?” I admit I too regarded the idea dubiously at first. The outdoor cinema circuit is arguably fully catered for in Perth, and the others have lovely, grassy tree-lined settings. What could this new CBD offering bring to the table? Well, if the opening night is anything to go by, it brings a lot: buffet ahoy!
Obviously offering ample parking opportunities(!) and easily accessible by public transport, the Rooftop Cinema sit conveniently in the CBD using the charming Perth night skyline as it’s backdrop.
After an elevator ride to the top floor you emerge into an oasis of fresh night air, Astroturf, glimmering hanging lights, palm trees and pink flamingoes. Complete with a pop-up bar and stage, this cinema brings pre and post movie entertainment to get you in the mood.
Opening night was comedy night with up and coming Aussie comedians encouraging us to laugh our mid-week blues away. The lineup was admittedly full of ‘no names’, but they proved to be amusing despite most of the audience hovering near the bar and ignoring the stage (Perth really is behind the times when it comes to arts and entertainment – come on Perthians: Leave the familiarity of the bar for once, just try something new).
The screen is admittedly the smallest I’ve witnessed at an outdoor cinema, but it does the job. Plus it’s what’s on the screen that counts and Rooftop Movies certainly have that covered.
Opening night played host to the hilarious The Big Lebowski and the lineup for the March looks pretty damn awesome with a mix of old and modern classics and some wicked double features thrown in. Book your tickets people cos you can’t guarantee there’ll be seats available at the door for these gems of the silver screen.
Rooftop have kept ticket prices nice and affordable at $10 for the single films and $15 for the double features (plus booking fee). You can even pre buy your parking with your tickets to save money too. The onsite bar and food stalls are at your usual steep cinema prices, but that’s to be expected.
The ticket comes complete with a comfy deckchair: none of this ‘bring a rug’ business! Though exercise caution: I saw two people flop into their chairs and end up sprawled on the ground amidst a pile of splintered wood, their beverage over their face. It’s not your home lounge people; take care!
Rooftop makes for a great night out. Ladies: bring a hair-tie – it can get windy up there. Gentlemen: impress your Mrs by packing an extra coat or blanket which you can impressively whip out to save the day when it gets cold (cos it does).
And a word of advice to everyone involved: be aware that the nearest loo is an elevator trip away on the ground floor. Don’t drink yourself silly and have to make the epic journey during your film.
All in all a fabulous, atmospheric addition to the Perth outdoor cinema circuit. I see corporate booking a-plenty for this one. Kudos to you Fringe World!
