There’s something magical about being absorbed in a live theatre performance or losing yourself in a film that lingers in your thoughts long after the final curtain or credits. Romford offers a vibrant mix of cultural entertainment — from intimate theatre productions to major cinema screenings — making it a great destination for arts lovers and casual visitors alike.

🎭 Live Theatre Experiences

Romford and the surrounding area are home to several welcoming theatre venues offering everything from musicals and comedy to drama and concerts:

Brookside Theatre – A charming 160-seat professional arts venue in the heart of Romford. Brookside’s programme features full-scale plays, musicals, concerts and comedy nights, all in an intimate and engaging setting.

Queen’s Theatre – Though technically in nearby Hornchurch, this renowned theatre regularly attracts East London audiences with high-quality productions and a rich mix of drama and live entertainment.

Alongside traditional theatre, Romford also benefits from active community and performance groups like The Guildonian Players, and training schools such as Theatretrain Romford, Rhodes Theatre School, and Razzamataz Theatre School Romford, which nurture local talent and enrich the cultural fabric of the town.

🎬 Cinema Highlights & Film Events

Romford boasts a lively movie-going scene with mainstream screens and independent film culture:

Vue Cinema Romford – A popular modern cinema at The Brewery offering the latest blockbuster films, family favourites, and accessibility options like autism-friendly and open-captioned screenings.

Lumiere Cinema, Romford – A community-focused cinema at The Mercury Shopping Centre curated by the Romford Film Trust. Lumiere showcases everything from new releases to classic, independent and international films, plus special events and relaxed screenings.

Romford’s cinema culture is also celebrated with film festivals and curated seasons:

Romford Film Festival – An annual festival celebrating independent British and international cinema with screenings, Q&A sessions, and industry showcases. The 2025 edition ran from 22nd–27th May at Lumiere, offering a rich programme of features, shorts, documentaries and more.

Other notable film events include the Romford Horror Film Festival, which typically takes place around late February and showcases top horror films and workshops.

📅 Upcoming Theatre & Cinema Events

Here are some of the current and planned highlights for visitors and locals in 2026:

At Brookside Theatre:

• Wrong Jovi – Live tribute concert: 6th February 2026

• The Great British Bake Off Musical: 11th–15th February 2026
  Upcoming seasonal musicals and concerts are also scheduled throughout the year.

At Lumiere Cinema:

• Neurodivergent and dementia-friendly film screenings: 9th February 2026

• Parent & Baby relaxed screenings (monthly sessions) – great for carers and little ones.

Other Romford Entertainment:

• KUNG FU CAFE double-bill film event: 1st March 2026

• Mystery LGBTQ Film Night: 3rd March 2026
  Various creative and community events continue to be listed at Lumiere and across town.

Why Visit?

Visiting a performance or film in Romford isn’t just entertainment — it’s an opportunity to connect, reflect and share moments with others. Whether you’re drawn to the raw energy of live theatre or the immersive escape of cinema, Romford’s cultural venues offer something memorable all year round.