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Austen's 250th birthday film fest

Ang Lee, 1995, UK, 136min, U / Joe Wright, 2005, UK, 129min, U / Autumn de Wilde, 2020, UK, 124min, PG

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Fri 12 December // 15:30 / Cinema

Tickets: £15/£10/£5/£0 total

Book tickets

Join us for a celebration of the still-sharp quill of Jane Austen, whose 250th birthday is on December 16th. We'll be screening a triple bill of beloved Austen adaptations, all with anniversaries this year, for an average of just a fiver a film!

 

SENSE & SENSIBILITY (1995) – 3:30pm

Regarded as one of the best Austen adaptations of all time, this gorgeously shot Ang Lee film tells the story of the Dashwoods. After falling on hard times, the mother and three daughters – including practical, thoughful eldest Elinor and passionate poetry-lover Marianne – move to a country cottage. As they navigate their new position in life, the two sisters also have to steer through the rough waters of love, with their wildly different temperaments guiding them. Starring Emma Thompson (who also wrote the screenplay) as Elinor and then-teenage Kate Winslet as Marianne, and with memorable leading-man performances from Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant.

PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005) – 6:15pm

With its lush landscape shots and swoonworthy soundtrack, Joe Wright's version of Austen's most famous novel leans into the romance of the story. Our protaganist is the witty Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters, whose first impression of the eligible Mr Darcy leaves her far less than impressed. Their social circumstances keep throwing them together, though, and as they learn more about themselves and each other they confront their pride (and their prejudice – clue's in the title) and start to wonder if they should reassess. But will the missteps and malicious actions of those around them get in the way?

EMMA. (2020) – 8:50pm

"Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her." This stylish, whip-smart adaptation captures the charms and shortcomings of Emma, a heroine whom Austen told her sister "no one but myself will much like." Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma; Johnny Flynn as her long-time (and long-suffering) friend and confidante Mr Knightley; Mia Goth as the wide-eyed Harriet, Emma's new friend and mentee; and Bill Nighy as Emma's scene-stealing hypochondriac father.

Please note that, as it's a long event, the films will be starting on time. No trailers, adverts or hanging about! There will be half-hour breaks between films, during which you're welcome to relax in the café or go grab something from the corner shop. In the DIY cinema spirit, feel free to bring a cosy blanket, thermos of tea or entire Austen-themed birthday cake with you – whatever you fancy.

Tickets are pay-as-you-feel (suggested prices £15, £10, £5 or free) and cover all three films, but you're welcome to come to just one or two if you'd prefer.