The Low Down

The Labia on Orange is the oldest independent art-repertory cinema in South Africa. Originally opened for live performances by Princess Labia in 1949. For the last 3 decades, the Labia has operated as an independent cinema for more discerning audiences with an alternative offering to the mainstream.

Historical Significance

If old world ambience, historical significance and the charms of an independent cinema's art house film selection appeal to you, then the Labia could be your new spot for cinema. Originally an Italian Embassy ballroom, the Labia has been a hub for the arts over the last 60 years. The cinema has 4 screens ranging from a 176-seater to the more intimate 66-seater cinema.

How to Book Movie Tickets

Visit the Labia website here to check what's on circuit, show times and upcoming film festivals. You can either buy tickets at the box office on Orange or Kloof Streets depending on where your film's showing or make a telephonic booking on (021) 424 5927 and collect your tickets in good time.

Labia on Orange

The Labia on Orange is next door to The Mount Nelson and is the original Labia Theatre with four cinema screens (incl. the NFVF African screen), a coffee bar, an outside terrace and bar facilities where you can get a whole range of refreshments. As an independent cinema, the Labia's cinema screens are generally smaller and not fitted with the latest sound technology. However, this isn't really a problem for their art house cinema selection and old world charm adds to the overall experience. The M-NET Screen 4 is fitted with Dolby Stereo.

Labia on Kloof

The most recent addition to the Labia Theatre is a modern two cinema division based upstairs in the Lifestyle Centre on Kloof. These cinemas are surrounded by coffee bistros and take-away restaurants, making it easy to plan a date night. Screen 1 is fitted with Dolby Stereo. Enter the underground parking garage on Park Road and access the cinema via stairs or the escalator.

Movie Club Discounts

The movie ticket prices are competitive at R30 for all shows, with a R5 discount for students, senior citizens and children. Labia, Ava, Discovery, Jay-Bee and Edgars card-holders are also entitled to a nominal discount of R10. Alternatively, you can buy a booklet with 10 pre-paid admission tickets for R250 and save yourself R50!

The Labia also has movie/meal vouchers available from R70. Simply purchase your double movie tickets and meal voucher at the restaurant: Societi Bistro (Mon/Tues), Diva Cafe Ristorante (Wed/Sat/Sun) or Kauai on Kloof (Thurs/Fri) and exchange them for tickets at the box office.

Popcorn & Refreshments

Labia cinemas have full bar facilities, which means you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage or even a Slush Puppie cocktail while watching a movie. Get a bag of popcorn for only R10.

Special Features

The Labia Theatre plays host to a number of film festivals and premieres each year, including Encounters and The SA Horrorfest. The cinema is very easy-going and one of the only surviving independent cinemas in South Africa. The selection of movies caters for the more discerning viewer with a focus on the niche market accommodating thought-provoking, ambitious, classic and daring feature films.The "trailers" reel is short... very few adverts! Subscribe to the Labia newsletter for show times and upcoming attractions.

Cheats & Tips

Get there early to find street parking near Labia on Orange or try the underground parking garage at the Kloof Street Lifestyle Centre. Make it a meal and a movie with their selection of fantastic combination deals. Are you a Labia Theatre regular? Get a bulk discount, by buying 10 tickets at a time - only pay R25 per ticket or become a card-holding member of any of their discount affiliations.

Directions & Maps

Labia on Orange (Screens 1-4): 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town (next to Mount Nelson)
Labia on Kloof (Screens 1-2): Lifestyle Centre, 50 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town (up escalator)

Movie Times & Tickets

Go to Labia Theatre