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National Theatre Live
World Class Theatre in the Somer Valley
NT Live is the National Theatre’s groundbreaking project to broadcast world-class theatre live to cinemas in the UK and internationally. Launched in 2009, broadcasts have now been experienced by over 5.5 million people in over 2,000 venues around the world.
Using the latest satellite technology, High Definition Projection and full digital surround sound, Midsomer Norton residents can now experience some of the finest productions in world theatre right on their doorsteps. The fully licensed Sarah Ann Bar is available at all screenings.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (12A) – Thursday 17th October 2019, 7pm
A feuding fairy King and Queen of the forest cross paths with four runaway lovers and a troupe of actors trying to rehearse a play. As their dispute grows, the magical royal couple meddle with mortal lives leading to love triangles, mistaken identities and transformations… with hilarious, but dark consequences.
Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedy will be captured live from the Bridge Theatre in London. Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), Oliver Chris (Green Wing, NT Live: Young Marx), David Moorst (NT Live: Allelujah!) and Hammed Animashaun (The Barber Shop Chronicles) lead the cast as Titania, Oberon, Puck and Bottom.
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will build on the success of his immersive staging of Julius Caesar (NT Live 2018). The Bridge Theatre will become a forest – a dream world of flying fairies, contagious fogs and moonlight revels, surrounded by a roving audience following the action on foot.
Hansard (15) – Thursday 7th November 2019, 7pm
by Simon Wood
Hansard; noun
The official report of all parliamentary debates.
See two-time Olivier Award winners, Lindsay Duncan (Birdman, About Time) and Alex Jennings (The Lady in the Van, The Queen), in this brand-new play by Simon Wood, broadcast live from the National Theatre in London.
It’s a summer’s morning in 1988 and Tory politician Robin Hesketh has returned home to the idyllic Cotswold house he shares with his wife of 30 years, Diana. But all is not as blissful as it seems. Diana has a stinking hangover, a fox is destroying the garden, and secrets are being dug up all over the place. As the day draws on, what starts as gentle ribbing and the familiar rhythms of marital scrapping quickly turns to blood-sport.
Don’t miss this witty and devastating portrait of the governing class, directed by Simon Godwin (NT Live: Antony & Cleopatra, Twelfth Night) and part of National Theatre Live’s 10th birthday season.
Present Laughter (12A) – Thursday 28th November 2019, 7pm
by Noël Coward
Matthew Warchus directs Andrew Scott (BBC’s Sherlock, Fleabag) in Noël Coward’s provocative comedy Present Laughter.
As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.
Captured live from The Old Vic in London, Present Laughter is a giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness.
Head to our Events Diary for more information, including our full cinema listings.
Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances the above schedule could change. In the very rare event that changes are necessary, they will be announced on this page and in the local press
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Why a Community Cinema?
Following the closure of the Midsomer Norton Palladium in 1993, the town and indeed the whole Somer Valley lacked a cinema. Members of the community have regularly asked there was any way of being able to bring back the screenings of films.
We aim to provide an affordable and accessible entertainment venue for the local community. This has particular benefits for those who cannot afford or physically travel to cities such as Bristol or Bath. Any profits raised from the cinema go back into the community.
The cinema has helped create a great community spirit by creating a great local day or night out that people can walk to. This in turn benefits the High Street by bringing people into the town centre. It has also provided volunteering opportunities to and work experience in the community including members of Swallow and Duke of Edinburgh students from the local schools.