Terrifying Horrorthon Takes Over Uckfield’s Historic Picture House

This Halloween season, Uckfield’s cherished Picture House Cinema is hosting its annual Horrorthon, an event featuring some of the most iconic horror films across multiple days leading up to October 31. Horror fans can expect everything from timeless classics like The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street to cult favourites such as Beetlejuice and Shaun of the Dead, all shown in the atmospheric surroundings of this historic cinema. The Horrorthon begins Saturday, 26 October and continues through to Saturday, 2 November, offering an ideal way for fans to celebrate Halloween in style.

This year’s Horrorthon line-up is packed with films for every kind of horror fan. Each showing will take place in one of the Picture House’s vintage-inspired screens, including the intimate VIP Lounge, opened in 2020, where audiences can enjoy a more exclusive setting.

Adding a unique experience to the Horrorthon, Longlegs will be shown on Sunday, 27 October, complete with a post-film pre-recorded Q&A with the director, plus a sneak peek of his new film, The Monkey. This screening offers an opportunity for horror fans to engage with filmmakers and get behind-the-scenes insights, bringing an extra layer to the Horrorthon’s immersive experience.

Halloween Horrorthon schedule

The Shining

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a horror masterpiece that follows writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) as he takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel, only to descend into madness as supernatural forces close in. With haunting imagery and an unforgettable performance from Nicholson, The Shining has become one of the most acclaimed horror films in cinema history.
Screening: Friday 25th October

Young Frankenstein

Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein is a classic comedy horror, where Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson (played by Gene Wilder) brings the family’s notorious creature back to life, with hilarious results. This black-and-white gem mixes gothic horror with Brooks’ signature humour, making it an unforgettable Halloween treat.
Screening: Friday 25th and Sunday 27th October

Beetlejuice

In Tim Burton’s beloved supernatural comedy, a recently deceased couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) enlist the help of a mischievous ghost, Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), to scare away the new residents of their home. Beetlejuice’s unique visuals and dark humour make it a Halloween must-see.
Screening: Saturday, 26th October

Shaun of the Dead

Edgar Wright’s iconic horror-comedy follows Shaun (Simon Pegg), a man determined to win back his ex-girlfriend in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Known for its clever humour and love for classic zombie films, Shaun of the Dead is both hilarious and heart-pounding.
Screening: Saturday, 26th October

Longlegs (with post-film Q&A)

This recent thriller delivers an intense story of suspense and horror. After the screening, audience members will have the unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A with cast and crew, exploring the creative journey behind the film.
Screening: Sunday, 27th October

The Exorcist

Widely regarded as one of the most terrifying films ever made, The Exorcist tells the harrowing story of a mother’s fight to save her daughter from a demonic possession. Directed by William Friedkin, this horror classic continues to unsettle audiences decades after its release.
Screening: Monday 28th October

Carrie

Based on Stephen King’s novel, Carrie follows a shy high school girl with telekinetic powers, who seeks revenge on her tormentors. With its powerful performances and shocking finale, Carrie remains a staple of horror cinema.
Screening: Tuesday 29th October

The Blair Witch Project

This groundbreaking found-footage horror follows three film students who venture into the woods to uncover the truth behind the local Blair Witch legend, only to encounter unimaginable terror. The Blair Witch Project has become an iconic piece of modern horror.
Screening: Tuesday 29th October

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street introduces audiences to Freddy Krueger, a sinister figure who haunts the dreams of teenagers in a small town. Known for its surreal horror sequences, the film has left a lasting mark on the genre.
Screening: Wednesday 30 October

Halloween

John Carpenter’s Halloween is the slasher film that started it all, following the murderous rampage of Michael Myers in the quiet town of Haddonfield. Suspenseful and atmospheric, this 1978 classic remains a defining film for Halloween.
Thursday 31st October

Coraline

In this animated fantasy-horror, young Coraline discovers an alternate world behind a hidden door in her new home, only to realise it harbours dark secrets. Laika’s Coraline is a beautifully eerie story perfect for a family-friendly Halloween experience.
Screening: Saturday 2 November

The Picture House Cinema

Since opening over a century ago, The Picture House Cinema has been an architectural gem in Uckfield. One of the longest-running independent cinemas in the UK, the half-timbered Tudor-style building’s original design remains preserved, with its updated interior delivering an optimal viewing experience for today’s cinema-goers. Under the guidance of Kevin Markwick, the cinema has managed to stay current while preserving the charm and character that have made it a beloved landmark. The Picture House is a unique blend of history and modernity, making it the perfect venue for a Horrorthon that honours both horror’s roots and its evolution.

Tickets are available now for the Horrorthon screenings, which run through Halloween weekend and beyond, bringing an entire week of frightful fun to East Sussex. For more information on how to enjoy this spectacle visit picturehouseuckfield.com/