October’s film on Friday 30th Oct is Hamnet (2026)
Historical tragedy directed by Chloé Zhao, who co-wrote the screenplay with Maggie O’Farrell, based on her 2020 novel of the same. It dramatises the family life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway as they cope with the death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet. It stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, supported by Emily Watson. [120 mins, 12 certificate]
Supper at the Opera is on Saturday 14th Nov when the opera will be Handel’s Xerxes (1999)
Set in 470 BCE, the opera opens with Handel’s sublime aria (“Ombra mai fu”) in which Xerxes, King of Persia, gives effusive, loving thanks to a plane tree for furnishing him with shade. This particularly highly acclaimed ENO production, directed by Nicholas Hytner, marked the 300th anniversary of the composer’s birth, and was conducted by Sir Charles MacKerras. Ann Murray is in the title role, supported by Rodney Macann, Valerie Masterson, Christopher Robson, Lesley Garrett and Christopher Booth-Jones. [186 mins, English with subtitles, Exempt certificate]
For further information about the society or to book your place please contact Karen Brown, Membership Secretary on 01327 312158 Evenings only or email BandDFS@gmail.com