Classic horror, Dracula on the big screen, family-friendly ticket prices, a Halloween Costume Party and a creative competition for young artists
Southsea, Portsmouth — September 2026 — This Halloween, Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre is inviting audiences of all ages to step into a world of classic horror, vampires, monsters, music and cinematic thrills with a special season of Halloween Screenings throughout October.
This year’s programme brings together an exciting collection of horror films spanning almost a century of cinema, from the silent-era The Phantom of the Opera to the latest Dracula and Nosferatu films. A particular focus of the season is the many different interpretations of Dracula, giving audiences the opportunity to discover how one of cinema’s most famous characters has evolved across generations.
The Halloween programme features The Phantom of the Opera (1925), Halloween (1978), Blacula (1972), Carnival of Souls (1962), Nosferatu (2024), Dracula (1931), Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Dracula: A True Tale (2025) and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
A journey through Dracula on film
The season’s Dracula strand offers audiences a fascinating opportunity to see very different versions of the legendary vampire story.
Dracula (1931) follows solicitor Renfield as he travels to Transylvania to meet the mysterious Count Dracula, who has plans to establish himself in England. Once Dracula arrives in London, his attention turns towards new victims, while Professor Van Helsing begins to suspect the truth behind the Count’s supernatural nature.
Blacula (1972) begins in the 18th century, when African Prince Mamuwalde is transformed into a vampire by Count Dracula and imprisoned for centuries. Awakened in 1970s Los Angeles, he becomes obsessed with Tina, a woman who resembles his lost wife, while a pathologist investigates a series of mysterious deaths.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) begins with Vlad Dracula’s transformation into a vampire after the tragic death of his beloved wife Elisabeta. Centuries later, he encounters Mina Harker, whom he believes to be the reincarnation of his lost love, setting in motion a dark and passionate confrontation.
Dracula: A Love Tale (2026)Official Trailer | Luc Besson reimagines the legendary vampire myth as a dark, sweeping gothic romance where eternal love collides with obsession and destiny.
Nosferatu (2024) follows Thomas Hutter as he travels to Transylvania to meet the mysterious Count Orlok, unaware of the terrifying supernatural threat he is about to encounter. Meanwhile, Hutter’s wife Ellen shares a mysterious connection with the ancient creature, drawing the vampire towards their world.
More Halloween favourites
The Phantom of the Opera (1925) takes audiences beneath the Paris Opera House, where the mysterious and disfigured Phantom becomes obsessed with the young singer Christine Daaé. When Christine is drawn into his underground world, the Phantom’s love, jealousy and desire for control bring her into conflict with her lover Raoul.
Halloween (1978) sees Michael Myers escape from a psychiatric hospital and return to his hometown of Haddonfield fifteen years after murdering his teenage sister. As Halloween night approaches, Myers stalks teenager Laurie Strode and those around her while psychiatrist Dr. Loomis desperately tries to stop him.
Carnival of Souls (1962) follows Mary Henry, the sole apparent survivor of a terrible car accident, who moves to a new town and takes a job as a church organist. She soon finds herself haunted by a mysterious figure and increasingly drawn towards an abandoned carnival pavilion.
Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965) takes place aboard a train, where five passengers encounter the mysterious fortune teller Dr. Schreck. His Tarot readings reveal five disturbing stories involving werewolves, vampires, a deadly plant, voodoo and a murderous disembodied hand.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show follows an innocent young couple who seek shelter in a mysterious castle after their car breaks down on a dark and rainy night. There they encounter the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter, his unusual household and his extraordinary creation, Rocky Horror. This is a special screening with audience participation and your tickets include one cinema cocktail.
Submit Your Dracula Artwork
Young artists are invited to create their own Dracula illustration and enter our Halloween competition. Artwork can be submitted until 1 October, either in person at Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre or by email to admin@southseacinema.co.uk.
Selected artwork will be displayed as part of our Dracula Illustration Exhibition, running from 8 October to 1 November, giving young artists the opportunity to see their creativity showcased at the venue during our Halloween season.
Submission deadline: 2 October 2026
Submit in person: Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre
Email: admin@southseacinema.co.uk
Exhibition: 8 October – 1 November 2026 (Preview: 8th October – 5pm)
The initiative is designed to connect young people with classic cinema, storytelling and visual art, while giving them the opportunity to respond creatively to one of the most recognisable characters in horror history.
Young artists are invited to get creative, draw their own Dracula and become part of the Halloween celebrations at Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre.
A Halloween for the whole family
The venue is also making Halloween more accessible with reduced ticket prices, giving families and local audiences the opportunity to come together, enjoy the cinema and experience the Halloween atmosphere without the usual cost of a night out.
With films ranging from classic horror and supernatural stories to Dracula adaptations and the much-loved Rocky Horror Picture Show, the season offers something for different generations of film lovers.
The cinema is encouraging families, friends, horror fans and newcomers to come along, dress up, enjoy the screenings and make Southsea part of their Halloween celebrations.
Southsea Cinema’s First Halloween Costume Party
For the first time, Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre will also host its Halloween Costume Party on Friday 30 October, from 5pm–10pm. Prizes for the best costume and the best makeup.
Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite Halloween character, vampire, monster, movie star or anything inspired by the season.
The evening will provide a chance for the local community to come together, enjoy the Halloween atmosphere and celebrate the season beyond the cinema screen. Costumes are encouraged — the more imaginative, the better!
Halloween Screenings — October 2026
The Phantom of the Opera — 4 October, 3pm Halloween (1978) — 7 & 29 October, 7pm / 18 October, 6pm Extended Cut Blacula (1972) — 11 October, 6pm Carnival of Souls (1962) — 14 October, 8pm Nosferatu (2024) — 18 October, 2pm Dracula (1931) — 22 October, 6pm Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965) — 25 October, 2pm Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) — 25 October, 6pm Dracula: A Love Tale (2026)) — 28 October, 7pm Halloween Costume Party — Friday 30 October, 5pm–10pm The Rocky Horror Picture Show — 31 October, 7pm
Dracula Illustration Exhibition: 8 October – 1 November
Tickets: Reduced Halloween ticket prices are available. Venue: Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre, Portsmouth Booking: Scan the QR code on the Halloween Screenings flyer to book tickets.
About Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre
Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre brings cinema, arts and community together in Portsmouth, creating opportunities for audiences to experience films from across generations and genres in a welcoming local venue. This Halloween season continues that mission by combining classic and contemporary horror cinema with creative activities for young people and events for the wider community.