Prince William Visits ActOne Cinema Ahead of Fifth Anniversary
His Royal Highness sells tickets and serves popcorn
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September 24, 2026
Moviegoers in Acton received a royal surprise when Prince William visited ActOne Cinema this Tuesday (22 September) as the community venue prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary.
The Prince of Wales met staff and local volunteers, chatting to members of the team who helped transform the former library into a cinema and community hub five years ago. During his visit he also tried his hand at selling tickets and serving popcorn to customers.
His Royal Highness met the team behind ActOne and learned how they have made the cinema a vital hub for the local community. The Prince also met young filmmakers and creators from the local community, some of whom have been supported by ActOne in creating and releasing their films. He then met representatives from the Film and TV charity, and discussed their work to improve access and inclusion within the British film industry, and support those working in the sector with their mental health and financial wellbeing.
It proved to be a particularly cinema-themed day for the Prince. Later on the same, he was joined by Catherine, Princess of Wales at the world premiere of Digger, starring Tom Cruise, at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.
The couple met Tom Cruise, director Alejandro González Iñárritu and members of the cast ahead of the screening. The premiere also served as the 73rd Royal Film Performance, raising money for the Film and TV Charity.
The royal visit comes shortly before ActOne marks its fifth anniversary with five days of events from 8 to 12 October.
The programme ranges from special screenings and conversations with figures from film and music to children's activities, parties and fundraising.
Celebrations begin on Thursday 8 October with an invitation-only evening for founder members and guests. Music will be provided by The Offbeat Choir, with a performance by Mary Jane Lowe.
On Friday 9 October, ActOne will screen a newly restored 4K version of 24 Hour Party People, the film charting Tony Wilson's involvement in Manchester's music scene and the creation of Factory Records and the Haçienda.
The screening will be followed by Paul Morley in conversation with the film's producer Andrew Eaton, with guests also receiving a drink and Haçienda-themed party bag.
Film critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode takes centre stage on Saturday 10 October, looking at the relationship between film and music and how soundtracks can shape cinematic storytelling. He will be joined by Nick Jones and will sign copies of his book Surround Sound.
An invitation-only party later that evening will feature live jazz from the Trent Pieterse Quartet, locally sourced food and drink, a film quiz hosted by Lara Loren, a charity auction and a late-night disco with Leon.
Sunday 11 October has a community and family focus. Jessica Mason will lead a pirate-themed children's workshop ahead of a screening of Muppet Treasure Island.
Later, Callum Wilkins will present the results of ActOne's 48-hour film competition, with the winning entries being screened free of charge.
The day ends with American Graffiti, followed by a conversation between Mark Kermode and Oscar-winning filmmaker Walter Murch, who designed the film's influential soundtrack.
For the finale on Monday 12 October, ActOne will go back to the film with which it all started.
The cinema will show No Time To Die, the first film screened at ActOne when it opened in 2021. Tickets are £5 and there will be prizes for the best Bond-themed costumes.
Fundraising across the five-day celebration will help support the cinema's future, with activities including a silent auction, photographic display, a "Tree of Promises" offering locally sourced experiences and an instant-win tombola.
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