Hot Tub Cinema’s Bristol founder tells all

Who knew there was an unfulfilled public demand to splosh around in hot tubs, wearing fancy dress and getting merry on tipples served by tubside waiters while watching movies? Asher Charman, that’s who. Formerly from Bristol, Asher set up Hot Tub Cinema in London back in the summer of 2012. Now it’s grown to encompass Bristol, Birmingham, Ibiza and New York. The concept has also been broadened to include the more relaxed and cosy Pillow Cinema, which is billed as the ‘perfect night in night out’. Ahead of Hut Tub’s second annual run at Paintworks, we grabbed Asher for some quickfire questions.

How long were you in Bristol and what are your memories of the city?

I have very fond memories of Bristol – it is without question one of my favourite cites in the UK. I lived in Bishopston from 2005 – 2008, when I worked as a custom installer putting high end cinema systems into people’s homes. I was always inspired by the diverse and bold events on offer, such as Carnyville and Banksy’s takeover of the Bristol City Museum. The early drive and passion to start Hot Tub Cinema as a concept owes a lot to these creative Bristol endeavours.

Was it always your ambition to bring Hot Tub Cinema to Bristol?

As a city close to my heart, I knew they would take a shine to Hot Tub Cinema once it took off. That is why Bristol was the first city I took it on the road to in 2014 and now back again in 2015. 

Why do you think the idea of Hot Tub Cinema, and pop-up cinema in general, has so captured the public imagination?

People are seeking more immersive, richer experiences when they have a night out. Hot Tub Cinema is a unique experience like no other, that much is certain. But we are humbled and proud to say that we are but one of a whole host of exciting and unique experiential events which have emerged in the last few years in the UK.  Audiences seek out and celebrate the irreverent and unusual here in the UK: Punchdrunk Theatre, Secret Cinema, Ginger Line supper clubs and the old Carnyville events to name a few. These events constantly surprise and inspire us. Also being a ‘pop-up’, whilst being more work for the production team, allows us to create a much more spectacular sense of occasion and leave the audience wanting more. 

What criteria do you use to select the films? Which ones go down best?

We always programme well-loved films that ideally have iconic singalongs and musical elements or comedy elements. We like to program a range of films across the last 30 years but we find some of classic ’80s and ’90s films play the best on the night in a hot tub.

Top five greatest films for watching in a Hot Tub:

Anchorman 

Top Gun

Labyrinth 

Ghostbusters

Hot Tub Time Machine

These are pretty raucous events. How much chance, honestly, do punters have of actually watching the film?

In its purest form, Hot Tub Cinema is a fun, light-hearted way to enjoy films with friends. Hot tubs are a very playful and highly enjoyable way to spend a few hours and adding a well loved film gives the evening a focal point and provides our guests moments to gasp, laugh and cry together. With film choices like Dirty Dancing and The Lion King, we certainly encourage our guests to sing and dance along with the film and our guests have really responded to that. It’s the crowd response that makes it special night after night. You may not catch every line of the film – but it’s amazing when 120 fellow crowd members sing “Hakuna matata” at the top of their lungs in unison. 

Do most people come as groups or are they willing to share tubs with strangers?

We have both – groups of up to six friends can hire their own hot tub. Or you can buy two or more tickets to share with new friends. It’s a great way to meet people and make new friends. We have several sets of people who met via hot tub cinema and now regularly come back for reunions! 

How do you deter, er, the ‘wrong sort’?

Our experience is that our audience is for the most part very well behaved and respectful to each other. We do insist that people come with a friend (minimum two tickets) so usually that provides some level of checks and balances by bringing a mate. Each tub has its own dedicated waiter so they can keep an eye on things as well.  

What happens if it pisses with rain?

Many of our shows are indoors, but even when we’re outside we’re one of the few events where it doesn’t really matter. 

You also do Pillow Cinema. Any plans to bring that to Bristol?

We’d love to bring Pillow Cinema to Bristol. Our year is pretty full already but we think you guys would love it! You never know, we may squeeze in some Christmas shows. 

Do you have any other pop-up cinema projects in the works? You could probably make a fortune screening zombie movies in graveyards, for example (assuming you could get permission).

We have several ideas in the pipeline incorporating live theatre elements which we are very excited about. Watch this space! 

The Paintworks Hot Tub Cinema Programme in Full

Originally Hot Tub Cinema announced a five-night stand at Paintworks. These quickly sold out and a further seven dates have now been added. Here’s that line-up in full. You can buy tickets online here.

May 28: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

May 29: The Lion King (sold out)

May 30: Ghostbusters (sold out)

May 31: Grease

June 1: Top Gun (sold out)

June 2: Dirty Dancing (sold out)

June 3: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

June 4: Hot Tub Time Machine

June 5: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (sold out)

June 6: The Hangover (sold out)

June 7: Mean Girls

June 8: Labyrinth