21 July 2023 will forever be remembered as a significant day in cinema history. On this day, two cinematic forces will come together for one of the most unique and bizarre opening weekend double bills ever concocted. This world-changing event forged in the imaginations of two of the most acclaimed American directors working today. That’s right – this month, Barbenheimer breaks onto Showroom’s cinema screens.

What is Barbenheimer you might ask? It’s a phenomenon borne from the simultaneous release of two of the most anticipated blockbusters of the year, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. When these release dates were announced, many film fans online were amused by the contrast in tone between the two films and began to joke about the battle, with audiences encouraged to “choose their fighter”. Promotional images of Barbie in her candy-coloured car sat hilariously next to Cillian Murphy’s dark stare in Oppenheimer’s first-look images.

However, as the date drew closer, the two opposing sides left their differences behind and formed an alliance, creating an event that soon became known as “Barbenheimer”. Gerwig and Barbie star, Margot Robbie, even got involved, pictured smiling beside an Oppenheimer poster, tickets in hand (your turn Nolan!)

Since this ceasefire, many cinema goers have begun planning their weekends around an epic double bill of the two films, making themed t-shirts and arguing about which film to see first (is Barbie the dessert to Oppenheimer’s main course?).

At Showroom Cinema, we have planned a schedule that allows a combination of both any day of the week and have even published a comprehensive guide to navigating your Barbenheimer outing on our website. Those who are willing to take the challenge can receive a free popcorn from the box office on presentation of their tickets for the two films on the same day.

We will also be celebrating the momentous occasion with themed music and drinks in the Showroom Café Bar all weekend long. And to top it all off, we will be the only cinema in Sheffield offering screenings of Oppenheimer on 35mm film, a viewing experience endorsed and favoured by the director himself.

Whether you choose just one or both of this summer’s biggest cinematic offerings, when your grandchildren ask you where you were on that historic day of 21 July 2023, make sure that you can tell them: Barbenheimer at Showroom Cinema!

Tickets for Barbenheimer are now on sale - www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/guide. You can refer to our double bill schedule if watching both in one day - don't forget to claim your free small popcorn for booking both at the box office.