Posts with the label film
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts

Tuesday 13 October 2020

Woking's Nova Cinema Set to Open This Week



Woking’s brand-new, Nova Cinema reveals a full refurbishment, an out-of-this-world rebrand, plus a series of exciting events and bespoke programming, all launching from 15th October 2020.

Thanks to a joint investment from Woking Borough Council and venue owners, Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), Nova Cinema is about to become the town centre’s brightest new star, boasting some of the best technology on offer within commercial cinema, and an unrivalled food and drink offer.
 
The new Nova Cinema now has seven stylish screens, including the flagship Screen One with state-of-the-art laser projection and Dolby Atmos sound, and the more intimate, premium Screen Seven where you can find luxurious electric reclining chairs and order tasty treats from your seat. The refurbishment also introduces a cutting-edge media suite for community and business hire, plus, the opportunity to book cinema screens for private functions.
 
An all new food and drink offering includes the refreshments bar in the main foyer and the addition of the luxury Nova Bar upstairs, which offers table service and a specially crafted menu of wines, beers and spirits with many products sourced from local businesses. An array of staple cinema snacks will be available from both, including popcorn, nachos and sweets, as well as ‘create your own’ gourmet hot dogs and vegan dogs.
 
Nova Cinema is completely COVID-safe and the team will be going above and beyond government requirements in order to make sure this is the safest place you can be, apart from your own home. Extra time has been added between screenings to allow for a thorough clean and all auditoriums will be treated with electro-static sanitising agents. A fully fresh air supply from brand new air handling units will circulate throughout all areas of the building. For further details, please see the website: novacinema.com/your-visit

On Thursday 15 October, the new venue throws open its doors with a full programme of films on offer, including the perfect mix of the latest releases including Bill & Ted Face the Music, 23 Walks, La Haine, Sonic and Pinocchio to name a few, as well as several specially curated seasons.

Simon Thomsett, Nova Cinema’s Venue Director, says “We are so proud to announce that the countdown is finally over, and the time has come to welcome in the people of Woking and beyond.
 
“We have got some incredible events coming up in our launch programme that we have curated to cater for everyone. With tickets now on sale through our new website, we cannot wait for you to experience it all for yourself – it’s going to be a stellar opening season!”
 
This is a magical moment for film-lovers in Woking, and for the town as a whole. The refurbishment of the ATG run venue is a significant step in Woking’s regeneration, and the launch collaborates with Woking Borough Council’s initiative to revitalise the town centre.
 
For tickets visit: novacinema.com

Woking's Nova Cinema Set to Open This Week

Tuesday 13 October 2020

Wednesday 15 April 2020

Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame, Alan McMonagle | Book Review


Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame by Alan McMonagle
Published: 5th March 2020 by Picador, Pan Macmillan
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

As a theatre fan (note: obsessive), I was thrilled when I was asked to review this book all about one young lady's journey to achieve her dream of stardom. Now it was not exactly what I expected. I had pictured Laura taking part in a rom-com esque battle to fight opposing actresses and pull out all the stops to achieve a coveted space on stage, and whilst that is a part of the story, the real driving force is Laura's mental struggles and falsely inflated sense of ego and stardom.

During childhood, when Laura's mother and sister were asleep, her father would fill her head with dreams of stardom as they watched classic films. When her father dies, Laura's whole life turns upside down and she never recovers from the trauma. Now in her mid 20s she hasn't managed to take Hollywood by storm and she lives an unbalanced life.

When a new Director comes to town, Laura thinks she will finally get her big break as Blanche DuBois in his new production of A Streetcar Named Desire. In an attempt to fulfil herself and make her father proud, she makes it her mission to land the role.


Needless to say, things don't go quite to plan. With Laura's globetrotting sister returning home and her kind-of boyfriend helping fill her head with daydreams, Laura begins a downward spiral and her feet fall out from beneath her in her own personal, Galway version of Streetcar.

I can't say this is in my top reads ever, but there's certainly some good moments and it's a very unique way to portray mental health. It's a hard book to explain because it doesn't really fit into a category. There are elements of contemporary chic-lit as well as darker moments, but it's never really dark enough to really be affective. Laura is continually an unreliable narrator so it's difficult to know how we should react. This partly makes it entertaining, having to try and pull apart the characters motivations and truth of her stories, but a lot of the time it feels laborious.

I found the writing somewhat hard to get into, which in part I think is intentional as it shows Laura's fragmented thought patterns, however, this didn't make it the most well paced book. The character development of course is essential but due to this, the key plot points often feel rammed in.


However, in saying all of this, I certainly think McMonagle has done a great job of showcasing passion for performing, and effectively creates some humourous scenes. There's a lovely sense of optimism throughout and you can't help but admire Laura's fervent desire to get her name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Review by Olivia Mitchell

{AD PR Product- book gifted in exchange for honest review}

Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame, Alan McMonagle | Book Review

Wednesday 15 April 2020

Wednesday 14 November 2018

In Conversation With... Rachel Izen | Funny Girl | Interview

Rachel Izen has starred in a number of shows on the West End, Broadway and on tour. Recently, Rachel played Mrs Brice in the UK tour of Funny Girl, which follows Fanny Brice on her journey from wannabe actress to reknowned performer. Funny Girl was recently screened at cinemas, Rachel talked to us about the show and how a filmed version breathes new life into it...


Can you tell us a little bit about your experience playing Mrs Brice in Funny Girl?

This was a very personal experience as I identified Fanny and Rose’s relationship to that of my own.

Funny Girl is a much loved story and show, do you think this filmed version will bring new life to the show and welcome a new audience to it?
This version is heart felt and explores successful women’s turmoil trying to balance career and personal life, so very current today.

What's your favourite memory from your time in Funny Girl?
Dancing to the overture in the wings every show.

Can you sum up Funny Girl in 5 words?
Luckiest people in the world!

If you could bring any other shows which you've been a part of to screen, which would you choose? 
The Witches of Eastwick

If you had a magic wand, what would you do next in your career?
I would love to tv series filmed in front of a live audience recreating my favourite musical theatre moments.

What's your top piece of advice for aspiring performers? 
 Be a sponge. See everything, listen to everything, be practical, take classes. Just because you may have gained a degree and acquired an agent doesn’t mean the world owes you a living.

Thanks so much to Rachel for chatting with us. 

Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell

In Conversation With... Rachel Izen | Funny Girl | Interview

Wednesday 14 November 2018

Tuesday 8 May 2018

Kinetics (Film) | Review


Kinetics (Film) 
★★★★★

Sue Wylie’s stunning play, Kinetics has been adapted for film. The moving story is told through the eyes of Rose who has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She meets Lukas, a free-runner with whom she forms an unlikely friendship. Both have a desire to move and be free and ultimately remind one another that life is worth living. 

'Accept, adapt, adjust' really sums up this play in a nutshell. Not only is it a beautiful story but it raises awareness of Parkinson's a relatively unknown disease that affects around 127,000 people in the UK alone. 

Lukas played by Roly Botha is a wonderful addition to the film. He adds so much movement and fluidity; a brilliant contrast to Rose. He has heaps of talent, not only acting but also free running. His story within the play is touching and the interplay between the characters really gives out a message of hope. 

A special mention must go to Steve Eaton Evans who plays Mr Burton and successfully portrays an older gentleman with Parkinson's who eventually gives the best advice of the whole film. 

Rose played by Sue Wylie is a wonder to see. She really does tell her story well. Her play is well worded and very powerful, while staying respectful to those suffering from Parkinson's. By telling her own story regarding her diagnosis of Parkinson's and how it affects her both in her job and personal life is simply beautiful. 

I urge anyone and everyone to watch Kinetics either in film or play version as it has so much potential not only to spread awareness with Parkinson's but also as it gives the audience a wonderful feeling of hope.

Review by Isobelle Desbrow

Kinetics (Film) | Review

Tuesday 8 May 2018

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Bitter Harvest (Film) | Review

Bitter Harvest tells the harrowing tale of  the Holodomor, a man-made famine which occurred in Ukraine in 1932-33, killing an estimated 2.5-7 million people. I, like many people had never even heard of this catastrophe and feel ashamed of that fact, so it was truly shocking to see the atrocities play out on screen.


Bitter Harvest sheds light on this widely overlooked tragedy in such a way that it is both provoking and shocking but at the same time brings warmth through the love story of Yuri (Max Irons) and Natalka (Samantha Barks). The whole story is told through the eyes of these young lovers as they struggle through imprisonment, famine and torture; battling to reunite with one another and to fight for a free country.

The film is visually stunning and quite literally sheds light on this devastating chapter of modern history. Douglas Milsome has added a whole layer to the story just through the lighting and has created a truly cinematic experience. We first see the warm lights and sky which quickly become dark and bleak. Particularly effective was the contrast of the bright Kiev when Yuri first got there to the muted grey of Yuri and Natalka's village. Truly striking.

The authenticity is so clear in this film, through not only the fact that it was filmed in true to life locations, but through the way the stellar cast play their roles so truthfully. Both Barks and Irons show the deep and dark complexities of their characters incredibly well, with their chemistry shining through to emphasise the reality of pain and loss throughout. Each moment is heart-wrenching and the whole film is beautifully shocking. The cast also includes Tamer Hassan, Barry Pepper and Terence Stamp, all of whom play their roles honestly and perfectly.

George Mendeluk has directed a visually striking film which is sure to educate people and get discussions going. There are parallels happening right now in Ukraine so this film has come at the perfect time to get people talking and to educate people so that nothing like this ever happens again. Although the love story is somewhat cliched, it works well in this film to provide a root for the story rather than being overpowering at every moment. The script is well written to make the actual event of the Holodomor the main focal point with the romance more of a reference point. The love story is beautiful and played out so well but it doesn't detract at all from the pain and suffering that was really happening. 

The story of this devastating famine is hard to watch but knowing and seeing the truth is necessary and Bitter Harvest is rightfully bringing this overlooked Ukrainian tragedy to the forefront of media in a way it never was at the time. I already am and will continue to recommend this film to everyone I see because it's honestly incredible. Truthful, painful, beautiful and powerful. The cinematography, story, acting and honesty make Bitter Harvest a must see. ★★★★

Watch my vlog of the premiere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We9bFF1mCBs


Bitter Harvest is released in the UK on February 24th.

Part of this review was used on the cover of the UK DVD so keep an eye out for it!


Review by Olivia Mitchell

Bitter Harvest (Film) | Review

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Saturday 15 October 2016

Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary Performance (film) | Review



Movie musicals often get a bad rap and with some previously released ones its not surprising, so I was cautious about how the spectacle that is Miss Saigon would translate to film. Before watching the movie I thought that a production as big as this could only really be experienced live in the flesh... I was wrong. This is a momentous and immersive triumph like no movie musical I've seen before. 

Universals HD recording brings every moment of Miss Saigon to life; we hear the background conversations and see all the facial expressions which could easily be missed live at the Prince Edward Theatre. Every breath, song and moment of choreography is perfectly framed with a mix of close-ups and wide angles making the whole production visually stunning. Every magical feature of Bruno Poet's lighting design and Totie Driver and Matt Kingley's fantastic set design is highlighted and glorified.


The whole thing isn't just watching a musical filmed live from a theatre, its a cinematic experience where one feels truly immersed in the production and can relate and attach to the characters even more. I truly have no faults with this film and for the majority of it being filmed in front of a live audience on one night, its really mind boggling how perfect the team have managed to make it!

Of course a review of Miss Saigon would not be complete without mentioning the insane talents of the cast. Although I saw this cast twice live at the theatre, I was even more in awe of their talents watching this recording. The extreme close ups show every emotion that crosses their faces and you can truly see how much they commit making their characters as realistic and provocative as possible.

Eva Noblezada's voice as Kim is just on another level; it actually depresses me how young and talented she is and I can only dream of being so flawless one day. Every note that comes out of her mouth is golden and its worth going to see the film purely to hear I'd Give My Life For You which sent chills down my spine! Jon Jon Briones gets the comedy and depth of the hilarious but calculating engineer down to a tee and I will never be over his performance of The American Dream. Alistair Brammer is the perfect lead, his voice soaring with ease and complementing Eva's dulcet tones entirely. If I could mention every cast member I would but I'm afraid that would take forever so I'll just say that every performance is remarkable and each individual truly shines in this recording.

Whether you've seen the production before or not, you must go and see this film. If you saw the show at the Prince Edward you'll get to see it in an entirely new light and if you haven't seen it before you'll be introduced to one of the most fantastic works of musical theatre in complete and utter style. Its definitely a must-see for musical theatre fans but I am almost certain that anyone will enjoy it. This is a production which is truly, completely and utterly unforgettable and altogether an impeccable cinematic experience. ★★★★

Miss Saigon will be at cinemas on Sunday 16th October 2016 and will then be released on DVD.

Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary Performance (film) | Review

Saturday 15 October 2016