A New Film and Fantastic Atmosphere at The Flying Monkey

I had heard the name “The Flying Monkey” before, but had never thought to go and check it out myself. The Flying Monkey had always eluded me as a spot to check out in Plymouth. It was not until a Tuesday night, out on the town, that I stumbled through the doors to catch a 6:30 show time.

The film itself was a hysterical new comedy called The Trip to Spain, starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.

The pair of friends travel about Spain, bringing hysterical impressions of famous British characters from James Bond to Michael Caine. The humor is set on high throughout the film, as the beautiful country of Spain serves as a backdrop to two middle-aged men trying to come to terms with adulthood and fatherhood.

The dialogue is of a different style than I have ever seen before, coming off as mainly improvisational, akin to a real conversation that two good friends would actually have. It was a tremendous way to enjoy two hours, and was one of the most unique comedies I have seen in recent years.

Truthfully, the film was a great deal of levity from the long day, but it was the building in which it was shown that intrigued me. 

Merely walking down the aisle of the deceptively-large concert hall filled me with a nostalgic feeling of familiarity. This was what theatres were supposed to look like.

There were posters of Jazz artists who would be performing live in the coming weeks on the walls. The Monkey had that initial dim lighting that rests easy on the eyes of those just entering in from the night.

Sporting classic cinema seats with first class foot space, I found myself completely comfortable for the duration of the two-hour movie, never once shifting to find comfort using a stranger’s armrest.

Before the film began, I was treated to an introduction from the host about the history of the establishment, which finds its roots in Plymouth dating back to the 1920s. He informed the audience of the upcoming artists and entertainment that would be provided in the near future, before leaving us to enjoy the show.

                                                           Courtesy of the Flying Monkey

Once the movie came to a close, the lights came up and the casual atmosphere of the theatre invited chirps of enjoyment and residual giggling among viewers filing out. We were greeted with a complimentary box of popcorn and a schedule of upcoming events, and sent off into the streets much happier than when we had first passed over the threshold.

The Flying Monkey has entertained the close-knit town of Plymouth for almost one hundred years, and I implore you to allow it to do so now for you. On a free night when a movie is in order, or the urge to witness some live music arises, The Flying Monkey should be your go-to destination.

The next film to be screened at The Flying Monkey is entitled Shadows Fall North (2016), and plays on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:30 pm. For a list of the theatre's upcoming films, visit http://www.flyingmonkeynh.com/films.aspx.