Tucked in a small alley in the heart of Chareon Krung, surrounded by old buildings and residences, Prince Theatre Heritage Stay is more than just a building. It's a living cultural venue in Bangkok, steeped in history and offering a unique blend of independent movies, accommodation, and more.
The building has undergone numerous transformations over the years, each one contributing to its rich cultural significance. Its story dates back to 1912 when it operated as The Royal Casino, known for hosting all-male Chinese opera performances that attracted a diverse clientele of both locals and expatriates. However, the festivities at the casino became too raucous, leading to a royal decree that resulted in the banishment of both the casino and the opera troupe.
The year 1917 marked a significant transformation for the venue, as it was renamed and rebranded as the Prince Theatre. This change sparked a surge in its popularity, drawing in a dedicated audience eager to immerse themselves in the world of entertainment offered by black-and-white silent films. The live dubbers who accompanied the films were known for their skilful ad-libbing and slapstick dialogues, which never failed to amuse and entertain the enthusiastic crowd.
As time progresses, technological advancements have significantly altered people's entertainment preferences. The once-beloved black-and-white silent films have fallen out of favour, overshadowed by the popularity of colour pictures with synchronised sound. In 1957, the theatrical landscape underwent a transformative shift with the arrival of Prince Rama, a venue that offered a diverse selection of movies from Hollywood, Hong Kong, and Thailand. This innovation initially thrived, attracting numerous movie-goers. However, the rise of shopping malls and multiplexes posed a formidable challenge, ultimately leading to the demise of independently operated neighbourhood theatres.
In order to adapt and remain financially viable, in 1985, the theatre reoriented its programming to exhibit adult films in an effort to draw in customers. Patrons spanning across various gender and age groups, including mature men and adolescents going through puberty, as well as women, frequented the theatre seeking entertainment and gratification.
Reborn in 2018, the Prince Theatre Heritage Stay underwent another transformation and was reimagined as a tribute to its rich history. This homage is evident in the lobby's impressive display of a large, vintage movie projector, the stairwell adorned with vintage tickets, and the unique sculptures of legendary film stars crafted from repurposed film reels on the 2nd floor. This versatile venue in Bangkok offers a myriad of entertainment options, allowing guests to indulge in delectable comfort cuisine, savour refreshing beverages, immerse themselves in indie movie screenings or live sports matches, relish side-splitting stand-up comedy performances, and partake in a diverse array of engaging activities.
While being entertained by movies or stand-up comedy shows at the theatre, decorated with colourful couches and orange director chairs, guests and patrons have the opportunity to indulge in a selection of delightful food and drinks at the premise's Box Office Bar.
For a heart-warming start, the Breakfast Sandwich features warm, freshly toasted local sourdough bread with a delightful crunch, layered with savoury, crispy bacon and topped with perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs oozing with goodness. This masterpiece is generously adorned with rich and creamy cheddar cheese. This simple, comforting sandwich awakens guests' and patrons' senses, leaving them craving more.
Diner-Style Tuna Melt offers a combination of gooey, flavourful cheddar cheese, a delectable tuna-mayo mix, and freshly baked bread crafted using a time-honoured recipe from the neighbourhood's bakery, which has been followed for over 50 years. This delightful sandwich is accompanied by tangy pickled cucumbers for a burst of flavour.
In addition to an array of beverages, the bar offers a selection of enticing classic cocktails. Among the highly recommended options are the Negroni and the Martini.
For those who wish to stay at Prince Theatre Heritage Stay, the lodging options consist of dormitories and suites. The standout accommodation is the luxurious Master Suite, conveniently located on the second floor. This elegant suite boasts a king-size bed, a generous lounge area, and an en-suite bathroom, providing guests ample space and privacy for a truly indulgent stay.
Built on a foundation of unique history and cultural heritage, the Prince Theatre Heritage Stay has stood the test of time and now boasts a fresh, modern look with versatile offerings. Visitors can expect to have an unforgettable and unparalleled experience at this extraordinary venue.
Prince Theatre Heritage Stay
Hours: TUE - SUN, 16.00 - 22.00 Hours
Tel: +666 2591 2288
Website: https://www.princeheritage.com/
Location: 441/1 Charoenkrung Road, Si Wiang, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
コメント