double bill

Meaning

A double bill refers to a single entertainment event where two films, plays, concerts, or shows are presented consecutively for the price of one ticket. Historically popular in cinemas during the mid-20th century, the term is still used by independent theaters, film festivals, and music venues hosting joint performances.

Examples

• The local retro theater is running a double bill of classic 1980s horror movies tonight.

  The local retro theater is running a double bill of classic 1980s horror movies tonight.

• We bought tickets for the double bill, but we had to leave after the first band finished their set.

  We bought tickets for the double bill, but we had to leave after the first band finished their set.

• The festival's opening night features a double bill of the director's early short films.

  The festival's opening night features a double bill of the director's early short films.

• Presenting these two complementary plays as a double bill gives the audience a deeper thematic experience.

  Presenting these two complementary plays as a double bill gives the audience a deeper thematic experience.

• Back in the golden age of Hollywood, going to a double bill was a standard weekend activity.

  Back in the golden age of Hollywood, going to a double bill was a standard weekend activity.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The cinema is showing a double ticket tonight.

  ✓ The cinema is showing a double bill tonight.

  'Double ticket' is a literal translation error from some languages; the correct idiomatic term for two shows back-to-back is a 'double bill' or 'double feature'.

• ✗ We saw a double bill, but we had to pay two separate bills at the counter.

  ✓ We saw a double bill, which only required one ticket purchase.

  A 'double bill' refers to the program lineup, not the invoice or receipt; you pay once for both shows.

Related Expressions

Practice

• For Halloween, the indie cinema is hosting a ___ of 'Frankenstein' and 'Dracula'.

  💡 Two movies shown back-to-back for one ticket price.

  Show answer

  double bill

• The two indie bands decided to tour together, offering fans a fantastic ___ of live music.

  💡 A joint show featuring two main acts.

  Show answer

  double bill