It’s here! The movie you’ve been waiting your entire adult life for; a masterpiece of filmmaking, full of romance and humour, and shirtless men who glitter in the sunlight. Are they really only charging Dhs30 for this? You rush to the theatre cash in hand, just in time for the previews, and bang, you hit a wall of ice: ‘Sorry ma’am, no babies allowed.’
Well not any more; in response to the cries of irritated Dhabian mums, Cine Royal has launched a Mother and Babies screening of all its popular movies. Every Tuesday and Sunday, the theatre earmarks its first screening for mothers, although anyone else who wants to walk in is welcome – provided they have no objection to a cinema full of kids.
‘I’ve been to the screening three times with my son, and they were pretty nice: the staff were very helpful, the volume was lower and no one got annoyed that we had babies with us,’ said Katherine Tauber, mother and member of local group Abu Dhabi Mums.
There’s a special package available to parents that gives them a 28 per cent set discount when they buy a ticket, popcorn and a drink. Beyond this, the theatre doesn’t actually provide any special facilities, so you’re not getting a bargain babysitting service; but what you are getting is far better: a baby-friendly environment. The air-conditioning is milder (no sweater, hooray!), the lights are brighter to make it easier for you to care for your kids, and the volume is lower, so there won’t be any pain-induced screaming.
But, most importantly, the fact that the morning theatre is yours – and you’re surrounded by mums – means no one will complain if your child kicks up a bit of a fuss.
Mother and Baby screenings are on Tuesdays and Sundays, and apply to the first screening of selected movies on those days. Tickets are at the regular price of Dhs30. For reservations, call 02 681 9444
Top baby movie stars
Lisa and Michelle Blair
The sisters took turns playing baby Mary Bennington in the movie Three Men and a Baby, the 1987 comedy starring Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson, and directed by Leonard Nimoy. The movie was the highest grossing film of the year, and made about $170 million in the US.
Kate and Ruth Greenfield
The twins played Elora Danan in the 1988 classic fantasy Willow. The movie starred Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer, and was directed by Ron Howard and produced and co-written by none other than George Lucas. Willow was not popular with the critics, and made under US$58 million; but what do they know anyway?
Jason Schaller, Jaryd Waterhouse, Jacob Haines, Christopher Aydon
No less than four babies were responsible for talking baby Mike from the 1989 rom com Look Who’s Talking, directed by Amy Heckerling and starring John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. The voice of Mike was provided by A-lister Bruce Willis.
