Vue cinema mice: Movie-goers shocked as rodents spotted running down the aisle at Gunwharf Quays screening of Reminders of Him
Settling down to watch a movie at Vue in Gunwharf Quays, Megan Jackson and her husband Scott were expecting a relaxing time.
However, before the movie Reminders of Him had even started in Screen 4 on Thursday, April 2, Megan became aware of a commotion in the row directly behind her. Two girls were certain they had spotted a mouse, and sure enough it was not long until Megan had seen the rodents as well. Two of them were scurrying along the aisle.
Megan said: “I jumped out of my seat and my heart was going mad. I was looking around my feet ready to run out. I was disgusted by it and lots of people got up and left.”
A lady who was sitting in front of them drew staff’s attention to the situation with a number of customers choosing to leave and receive refunds. The Horndean couple were one of those that chose to leave.
Later that evening, Megan posted about the issue on Facebook and received a number of comments from people saying that they had had similar experiences over the past few weeks. While she has been given a voucher to return to the cinema valid for the next 12 months, the couple have no intention of returning.
When approached for comment Vue acknowledged that they were aware of an issue at the Gunwharf cinema and are “working extensively” to combat it and “ensure the comfort” of its customers.
While there have been no reports of rodents being spotted in the areas where food are served or prepared, its last inspection by The Food Standards Agency highlighted cleanliness as an issue. The inspection took place on April 29, 2025 where food safety officers awarded it a one-out-of-five rating with ‘major improvement necessary’.
From the inspection its hygienic food handling was rated as ‘very good’ with the cleanliness of the facilities and the management of food safety given as ‘major improvement necessary’.
Following the recent incidents with rodents, a Vue spokesperson said: “We are working extensively at our Portsmouth site to combat the issues raised, including regular contractor visits and the introduction of a wide range of additional proofing and cleaning measures.
“This is an ongoing process, but we will continue to work with our Portsmouth team, landlord partners and with our contractors to ensure the comfort of all our customers.”