More Than Movies: Open Door Cinema Club Finds Its Crowd

A look back at the successful Horror at the Hive season, plus what's coming next from Shrewsbury's newest film club.

4 min read

The Open Door Cinema Club has wrapped up its debut Horror at the Hive season after bringing a packed programme of cult classics to Shrewsbury throughout October and early November.

Based at The Hive on Belmont, the club has quickly built a loyal following by combining carefully curated films with a strong social and community focus.

Over recent weeks, the club screened a series of horror favourites including John Carpenter's The Thing, Joel Schumacher's The Lost Boys, and Ari Aster's Midsommar.

Each Sunday evening screening featured pre-film activities such as photo booths, quizzes, and special guests, followed by post-film drinks at The Nags Head where audiences could discuss what they'd just watched.

When I attended the screening of The Thing in October, the community atmosphere was clear from the moment I arrived. The foyer was buzzing with activity as early arrivals took part in a raffle and various pre-film activities.

Once inside the cinema, we were treated to a quickfire horror quiz with a prize up for grabs. The raffle winner took home a signed piece of artwork from Charlie Adlard, the local comic book artist best known for his work on The Walking Dead.

Before the main feature, Shrewsbury filmmaker Ted Bennett introduced his award-winning short film Reel Terror. Adlard then returned to give a thoughtful introduction to The Thing itself, sharing his personal perspective on the film's enduring power and themes.

The screening of Carpenter's 1982 masterpiece was excellent, and while post-film drinks were available at The Nags Head afterwards, I didn't make it along on this occasion.

The club's approach has clearly resonated with local film fans. Each screening in the Horror at the Hive season sold well, with audiences packing out The Hive for films that blended genuine cult status with broad appeal.

The Lost Boys screening featured an '80s-themed photo booth complete with props and a "fang-tastic" quiz, while the final film, Midsommar, offered flower crowns and a quiz described as one that "goes wrong" in keeping with the film's unsettling tone.

Following the success of the horror season, the Open Door Cinema Club has confirmed it will continue programming through to the end of 2025 and beyond.

Two more screenings are scheduled before the year ends. Shaun of the Dead arrives on Sunday 23rd November, bringing Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's British zombie comedy to the big screen.

Then on Sunday 14th December, the club rounds off the year with a festive singalong screening of The Muppets Christmas Carol.

All screenings take place at The Hive, with doors and the bar opening at 7pm and films starting at 7:30pm.

Tickets are available through The Hive's booking system, with the quickest route via the Book Now button on the club's website at opendoorcinema.club.

Limited tickets may also be available on the door.

As the club moves towards becoming a permanent fixture in Shrewsbury's cultural calendar, it has launched a membership scheme. For £20, members receive free entry to all remaining films in 2025 and a membership card designed by local artist Jonny Thaw.

Anyone who has already booked tickets for previous screenings will have £6 deducted from their membership cost for each ticket purchased, meaning regular attendees can effectively upgrade to membership at a reduced rate.

Memberships will be available to purchase after the next screening.