When I was young I always used to celebrate my birthday in the same way. A trip to the cinema and then for something to eat. My birthday is in December so we could usually time the outing with seeing the local Christmas lights switch on too. I knew how to party! But seriously, these are some of my fondest childhood memories (I have a lot of them though, to be fair!)
My ninth birthday, to be exact, my film of choice was The Muppets Christmas Carol. Off we went to the local cinema and a wonderful time was had by all. So much so in fact, in the years that have gone by since, I’ve always tried to make a point of watching it every Christmas. Luckily, it’s also Tom’s favourite Christmas film so there’s never too much of a fight to get it on the TV.
This year’s first viewing of it was pretty special though. I was invited along to Pop Up Screen’s Cinema In The Snow to get my festive Muppet on with the lovely guys and gals at Love Pop Ups London. So, one night after work, in the freezing cold, I trundled on down to Hackney Showroom. Where, on arrival, I was ushered into a library. It seems I’d turned up a little late and there was a reading taking place. It was all very atmospheric with low lighting and a huge wardrobe full of fur coats. There was a chill in the air and, being closest to the wardrobe, I was asked to pass one of the coats over. Lo and behold, behind the coats there was a glint of light. On further investigation, it was like tumbling into Narnia.
With a cup of mulled wine and a box of popcorn, I settled down to watch the film. It felt funny watching it on such a big screen all these years later. Especially when I’m so used to being settled on my sofa watching it in my lounge. It was nice though, it definitely warmed the cockles of my heart (although that could have been the wine) and if I find somewhere special showing it again next year I’m going to make a beeline for it.
There was only one thing I struggled with though – not singing along!
*I was invited along to the showing as a guest for review purposes. As always, all thoughts and words are my own.
It truly was a fun night and lovely meeting you.
I loved playing in the fake snow even though was hard to get out of my hair afterwards.