Cinema and Theatre Discounts for Over-60s
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
Most cinemas and theatres have a cheaper ticket for over-60s, and several cinema chains run special daytime screenings for older audiences with a hot drink included. The qualifying age and the saving vary, so check the venue's own prices page and take proof of age with you.
Senior screenings at the cinema
"Senior screenings" are daytime showings of recent films at a reduced price, aimed at people aged 60 and over. They are usually on a weekday morning or early afternoon, the atmosphere is relaxed and there is often tea or coffee.
These are the schemes we were able to confirm on the cinema companies' own websites at the time of writing (November 2026):
| Cinema | Scheme | What the cinema's website says |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase Cinemas | Silver Screenings | For guests aged 60 or over, every Thursday, on films starting at or before 4pm. £4.99 in cinema (£7.99 at Bluewater). Extra charges for premium seats and formats; special "event cinema" showings cost more. A hot drink and snack offer varies by location. |
| Picturehouse Cinemas | Silver Screen | Screenings for the over-60s at participating cinemas, with a free tea or filter coffee. Ticket prices vary by cinema and are shown when you book. |
See the Showcase Silver Screenings page and the Picturehouse Silver Screen page for current details.
Other national chains, and a great many independent cinemas, have run similar programmes under names such as "Silver Cinema" or "Senior Screen". We could not confirm their current terms on their own websites, so look on your local cinema's page or ask at the box office.
Everyday senior tickets
Apart from special screenings, many cinemas sell a "senior" or "concession" ticket for any showing. The qualifying age is usually 60 but is sometimes 65, and the saving on the adult price ranges from a pound or so to several pounds. Online booking systems list it as a ticket type; choose it when you select your seats, and be ready to show ID when you arrive.
Other savings open to everyone are worth comparing with the senior price:
- off-peak days, when every ticket is cheaper;
- cinema membership or unlimited passes, if you go more than about twice a month;
- two-for-one offers through insurance, bank or mobile phone rewards schemes you may already belong to.
Theatre, concerts and live shows
Most subsidised theatres, concert halls and arts centres offer concession prices for older people, although the starting age varies and some venues limit concessions to certain performances or seating areas. Commercial theatres are less consistent. Ways to pay less:
- Matinees. Midweek afternoon performances are usually the cheapest and most likely to have concessions.
- Previews. The first few performances of a new production are often discounted.
- Day seats and standby. Some theatres release cheap tickets on the day, in person or online.
- Restricted-view seats. Ask the box office how restricted they really are; staff generally give an honest answer.
- Friends' schemes. If you go often to one venue, its membership scheme may bring priority booking and money off.
- Live cinema broadcasts. Plays, opera and ballet are shown live in cinemas for a fraction of the theatre price.
If you need someone with you
If you have a disability and need a companion to go to the cinema, the CEA Card may help. It is a national scheme run by the UK Cinema Association: the cardholder buys a full-price ticket and the person accompanying them gets in free at participating cinemas. Eligibility, the fee and how to apply are on the CEA Card website.
Many theatres run their own access schemes offering a free or reduced ticket for an essential companion, along with wheelchair spaces, hearing loops, captioned and audio-described performances. Phone the box office and ask for the access booking line. There is more on our discounts for carers page.
How to claim and what ID to take
- Check the venue's own website for "senior", "concession" or "silver" prices and the qualifying age.
- Choose the senior or concession ticket type when booking, online or at the counter.
- Take proof of age: a bus pass, driving licence or Senior Railcard. You may be asked for it when tickets are checked.
- If you booked an adult ticket by mistake, ask the box office before the performance; it is much harder to correct afterwards.
If booking online is unfamiliar, almost every venue still takes bookings by phone or in person. Our guide to online shopping for beginners explains the basics if you would like to try.
Common questions
At what age do I get a senior cinema ticket?
Usually 60, sometimes 65. Each cinema sets its own rule, so check its prices page.
Can a younger friend come with me to a senior screening?
Policies differ. Some cinemas admit anyone at the senior-screening price, others require every ticket holder to qualify. Ask when you book.
Are senior screenings subtitled?
Some are. Cinemas list subtitled and audio-described showings separately on their websites, or the box office can tell you.
Where can I find more leisure savings?
See days out discounts, free things for over-60s and the main over-60s discounts guide.