A couple of miles down the road from where I live in Earley is the Showcase Cinema near Winnersh Triangle (about 4 miles from Reading). Like most modern cinemas it is a multiplex and has about 9 or 10 screens. It can be found next to the A329 between Reading and Wokingham. Showcase are American owned.

It can be reached by bus (A Beeline Service going from Wokingham to Reading stops there) and the number 10 from Reading calls there in the evening. Alternatively, a train ride to Winnersh Triangle involves navigation of some busy roads. There is a Park and Service next door, though this is for those travelling into Reading (it floods too). Most people walk or go there by car.

The cinema is an interesting building because it is built on a flood plain next to the River Loddon. When we have a serious amount of rain, the Loddon breaks its banks and the car park floods. Car Parking is extensive and free. A pair of wellies is advisable this time of year.
However the cinema going public won't get wet feet whilst watching 102 Dalmatians. The cinema is another 10 feet or so above the car park.

If you fancy a drink before or after the show, there is the George Pub on the other side of the River Loddon. This has an extensive menu and selection of drinks. It also floods!

Prices are fairly standard for a cinema of this type. An adult seat costs £5.25 and a child seat is £3.75. There are concessions for students. A good day to go is Tuesday when all seats are £3.75. You can book your tickets in advance at the Cinema or on the night - though the queues can be lengthy. Alternatively, you can book over the telephone though you are charged a booking fee of 50p per ticket for the privilege.

In terms of facilities, the cinema is pretty much state of the art. It has modern projectors, Dolby sound and rocking chairs with (wait for it) cup holders. It is fully air conditioned with a smoking ban.

And of course you can get ripped
off buying their popcorn, cold Pepsi or hotdogs. We take our own sweets and cans bought from ASDA thereby saving a small fortune. Showcase want you to eat their food and put up notices discouraging you from taking your own - but we do it anyway!

As a Cinema it is ok. It lacks any charm and you feel that you are there to increase Showcase's profits - even more so if you buy their food. Cinema is yet another industry where we have let foreign companies in and they now rule the roost.

There is a Warner Brothers Multiplex Cinema in the Oracle Centre within Reading Town Centre as an alternative - but I have not as yet visited it.