About us

Founded in 1974, we have been dedicated to bringing independent film, world cinema, and select mainstream films to Stoke-on-Trent. Our mission is to showcase films which haven’t been screened or have had limited release at the local multiplex cinemas.

Stoke Film Theatre is a public cinema, located at the Wade Centre, operated almost entirely by volunteers and has been a registered charity (no 504600) since 1975.

Film screenings take place on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7.45pm (unless otherwise stated) with no adverts or trailers.

To find out more about the history of cinema-going in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire you can read Lez Cooke’s essay on the subject here.

The cinema

Stoke Film Theatre is located at the Wade Centre and we screen films in a 154 seat auditorium, with two spaces for wheelchair users.

All our films are screened digitally using the latest equipment from Dolby, Barco and LANSat.

Refreshments

Our bar is open from 7pm for the sale of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee, chocolate and snacks which can be consumed in the bar area before the film. No drinks, apart from bottled water are allowed in the auditorium.

Accessibility

The Film Theatre is equipped with special facilities to make films available to everyone. These include:

An audio loop system

The sound from ALL screened films may be heard by switching an appropriately fitted hearing aid to the 'T' position. Alternatively, infra-red headphones are available which, for patrons with hearing difficulties, may improve the audibility of the soundtrack.

Audio Description

Selected films are made available with Audio Description. Returnable infra-red headsets are available for use with these films.

If you require further information on either of these systems, please contact: access@stokefilmtheatre.org.uk

The Wade Centre is accessible via a ramp at the front of the building. There is a lift on the  ground floor that provides access to the first floor. Disabled toilets are available on the ground and first floors.

The auditorium has two wheelchairs spaces. 

If wheelchair users are not accompanied by a carer - please ask at the desk for assistance with the swing doors.

How to find us

Stoke Film Theatre is located at the Wade Centre, Hartshill Road, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7NY

You can find us using What 3 Words: brick.will.loops

We are a 5 minute drive or a 30 minute walk from Stoke-on-Trent Railway station.

Hartshill Road is also on a number of local bus routes into Stoke-on-Trent city centre and Newcastle-under Lyme. For more details about buses and to plan your journey visit Stoke Bus Info or First Bus

For parking details please click here.