14 August 2020

It’s Showtime at Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station has lent itself as a backdrop to several silver screen classics over the years including, Alfred Hitchcock’s Sabotage, Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life and most recently, Batman’s The Dark Knight. The London icon will once again be stepping into the limelight this August and September when it acts as the backdrop to the capital’s most unique open-air cinema and theatre experience, Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty.

Summer Showtime will run from Friday 21st August – Sunday 20th September at the historic Grade II*-listed Coaling Jetty on the River Thames in front of the Power Station. The open-air event will feature theatre performances from The Turbine Theatre and film screenings from boutique cinema operator, Archlight Cinema; both of which can usually be found under the iconic railway arches in Circus West Village, a thriving London riverside neighbourhood and the first chapter in the regeneration of Battersea Power Station.

From musical performances from The Femmes: Vintage Vocal Harmony Trio and West End Rock ft. Vocal Xre3me, to productions of HAIR directed by renowned choreographer and Strictly Come Dancing judge, Arlene Phillips, The Best of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and family-friendly Horrible Histories, The Turbine Theatre has something for everyone in its Summer Showtime line-up. 

Paul Taylor-Mills, Artistic Director, The Turbine Theatre, said:

“The past few months have been challenging for many industries including theatre and I’m so pleased that we’re able to bring creative and immersive performances to one of the most unique new stages in London, The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station. For anyone who has missed visiting the theatre over the past six months, make sure you come down to Summer Showtime this August and September. You’re in for a treat!”

With film classics including Back to the Future, Gladiator and Dirty Dancing, as well as family-friendly hits Paddington 2, Frozen and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory hitting the big screen on The Coaling Jetty, film fans will be spoilt for choice at Archlight Cinema’s Summer Showtime screenings at Battersea Power Station. 

Chris Swney, General Manager at Archlight Cinema, said:

“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Battersea Power Station to host the Summer Showtime open-air cinema screenings on The Coaling Jetty this summer. The Power Station has featured in so many classic films and is a star in its own right, so to have this as a backdrop whilst watching one of the great films on offer is an experience like no other.”

A trip to the theatre or cinema wouldn’t be the same without treating yourself to a delicious meal, a refreshing drink or some tasty snacks. Luckily for Summer Showtime visitors there will be lots of options to choose from on The Coaling Jetty including craft beer from resident brewers Battersea Brewery, frosé from Vagabond Wines, refreshing cocktails from Birdies and the all-important popcorn and sweets from Archlight Cinema.

With many of the restaurants at Battersea Power Station offering the UK Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme from Monday to Wednesday in August, it’s the perfect opportunity for cinema and theatre goers to also try one of the dining options on offer and save up to £10 per person on food and soft drinks. From traditional Italian dishes with a twist at Fiume, where Francesco Mazzei is Chef Patron, incredible modern Indian cuisine full of flavour at Cinnamon Kitchen, brilliant British seafood at Wright Brothers, Spanish classics at Tapas Brindisa, nourishing bone broth ramen at Tonkotsu, Mediterranean inspired dishes at Megan’s and delicious gastro style food and cocktails at No.29 Power Station West, you really can dine around the world at this riverside destination. If you want to visit later in the week, many of the restaurants also offer special pre and post-theatre menus, or takeaway options which you can bring onto The Coaling Jetty for the show.