Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary. With their abilities outmatched, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance!

Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow – a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before.

With their abilities outmatched, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance!

RELAXED ENVIRONMENT SCREENING

The 11.30am screening on Sat 11 Jan is a relaxed environment screening.

• Our relaxed screenings have reduced sound levels and partially raised lighting.
• Capacity is reduced so there is freedom to move around and use sensory aids.
• There will be a quiet space available if you need to take a break from the film.
• These screenings are suitable for everyone, but particularly suited to people with autism, ADHD and other sensory processing disorders.

★★★★ – Guardian. Pablo Larraín (Jackie, Spencer) returns with Maria following the life story of the world's greatest opera singer, Maria Callas, during her final days in 1970s Paris.

"★★★★ – Angelina Jolie gives a career-defining performance as a haunted opera diva" – Independent

★★★★ – Empire

★★★★ – Guardian

★★★★ – Daily Telegraph

Described by director Pablo Larraín (Jackie, Spencer) as “a celebration depicted through memories, friends, and most importantly her singing” this sumptuous new biopic set in 1970s Paris follows the final days of the world's greatest opera singer, Maria Callas.

Angelina Jolie gives a standout performance as the gifted and tortured star, recounting her public and personal lives along with the hardships and harassment she faced.

CINEMA BAMBINO

The 11.30am screening on Thu 16 Jan is a Cinema Bambino screening.

• This screening is exclusively for parents and carers with babies under 12 months old.
• Customers must be accompanied by a child under 12 months to be permitted entry.
• These are not family screenings so there is no admittance to children over 12 months

"★★★★★ – an electric revelation" – Guardian. The director of Walk the Line returns to the world of musician biopics with this portrait of Bob Dylan, starring Timothée Chalamet as the folk icon.

"★★★★★ – an electric revelation" – Guardian

"★★★★ – Timothée Chalamet embodies Bob Dylan’s once-in-a-generation coolness" – Daily Telegraph

★★★★★ – HeyUGuys

★★★★ – Evening Standard

The director of Walk the Line returns to the world of musician biopics with this portrait of Bob Dylan, starring Timothée Chalamet as the folk icon.

Following Dylan from an unknown artist in New York’s Greenwich Village through his meteoric rise and culminating in his ground-breaking (and infamous) performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, Mangold’s film is filled with hits from Dylan’s career and features a superb supporting cast including Ed Norton, Boyd Holbrook and Scoot McNairy.

*Lazy Sunday Ticket and Breakfast tickets for Sun 19 Jan at 12.30pm are now sold out, film tickets only are still available.

**A COMPLETE UNKNOWN contains several sequences with flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or have other photosensitivities.

★★★★★ – Empire. One of the best films we will screen all year, RaMell Ross’ feature debut is a gripping, soaring, heart-breaking picture based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Colson Whitehead.

"★★★★★ – a triumph" – Empire

"★★★★★ – a miracle of a movie" – Little White Lies

"★★★★★ – an artistically daring masterpiece" – Independent

★★★★★ – The Times

★★★★★ – Guardian

★★★★★ – Time Out

One of the best films we will screen all year, RaMell Ross’ feature debut is a gripping, soaring, heart-breaking picture based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Colson Whitehead.

In 1960s Florida, young Ellwood is unjustly sent to a reform school where he meets Turner, and the two boys try to navigate the harsh life at Nickel Academy where abuse of students runs rife. Audaciously shot entirely in first-person, Nickel Boys is powerful tale of human perseverance and redemption.

CINEMA BAMBINO

The 11.30am screening on Thu 23 Jan is a Cinema Bambino screening.

• This screening is exclusively for parents and carers with babies under 12 months old.
• Customers must be accompanied by a child under 12 months to be permitted entry.
• These are not family screenings so there is no admittance to children over 12 months

★★★★★ – The Times. Directed by and starring Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), A Real Pain) follows estranged cousins David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin) as they tour Poland to honour their late grandmother.

"★★★★★ – a story that is perfectly weighted between bleak and warm, poignant and irreverent" – The Times

"★★★★ – Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin are a perfect tragi-comic double act" – Daily Telegraph

★★★★ – Flickering Myth

★★★★ – Total Film

★★★★ – HeyUGuys

Directed by and starring Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), A Real Pain follows estranged cousins David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin) as they tour through Poland to honour and pay respect to their beloved Jewish grandmother.

Culkin and Eisenberg are both on superb form in this witty and heartfelt movie, presenting a believably complex and chaotic relationship, and the film will stay with you long after the credits roll.

★★★★★ – Bloody Disgusting. One of our favourite directors tackles one of cinemas most beloved gothic tales as the terrifying new film from Robert Eggers’ (The Lighthouse, The Witch) arrives in cinemas.

"★★★★★ – the best horror movie of the year" – Digital Spy

"★★★★★ – Beautiful nightmare made flesh" – Den of Geek

"★★★★★ – Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgård match Robert Eggers’ nightmarish, erotic, and physically demanding wavelength" – Flickering Myth

"★★★★ – Eggers’ retelling suffocates like a coffin, right up to its chilling final shot" – Empire

★★★★ – BBC

★★★★ – Total Film

One of our favourite directors tackles one of cinemas most beloved gothic tales as the terrifying new film from Robert Eggers’ (The Lighthouse, The Witch) arrives in cinemas.

Based on the 1922 Murnau film which took its inspiration from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Eggers’ gripping take on Nosferatu is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her.

★★★★★ – Guardian. This new documentary follows the ridiculous, hilarious and moving adventure as three friends attempt to stage a full production of Hamlet within the videogame Grand Theft Auto.

"★★★★★ – brilliantly exciting" – Guardian

★★★★ – Empire

★★★★ – Little White Lies

★★★★ – Evening Standard

The Sat 18 Jan, 6pm screening will be introduced by Professor Mary Ann Lund - Director of Studies for English and Professor of Renaissance English Literature at the University of Leicester, who will guide us through the history of weird and wonderful Hamlet adaptations!

January 2021. The UK is in its third lockdown and all entertainment venues remain closed. For theatre actors Sam and Mark, the future looks bleak. As the pandemic drags on, Mark – single and childless – is increasingly socially isolated, while Sam panics about how he is going to support his young family.

They spend their days in the online digital world of Grand Theft Auto and when they stumble across a theatre, they suddenly have an idea to stage a full production of Hamlet within the game.

This film charts their ridiculous, hilarious and moving adventure as they battle violent "griefers" and discover surprising truths about life, friendship and the enduring power of Shakespeare.

All screenings feature descriptive subtitles.

Supported by BFI Doc Society Fund, awarding National Lottery funds.

"★★★★★ – a complete knockout" – Daily Telegraph. Babygirl follows a high-power CEO who begins an affair with a recently hired, younger intern and puts her career and family and jeopardy in the process.

"★★★★★ – a complete knockout" – Daily Telegraph

"★★★★ – A deliciously barbed, but wise and ultimately hopeful investigation of female sexual desire, marriage and modern power dynamics" – Time Out

"★★★★ – Nicole Kidman gives her bravest and best performance in quite some time" – BBC

★★★★ – The Times

High-ranking CEO Romy (Kidman) begins an affair with a recently hired young intern Samuel (Dickinson), a young intern recently hired by her company. Despite jeopardising her career and family life, Romy is drawn to the enigmatic Samuel, who shakes up her stilted life.

Halina Reijn's (Bodies, Bodies, Bodies) erotic thriller has drawn praise on the festival circuit with Kidman awarded Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.

Four women. Four curious love stories. Juan Diego Flórez leads a fantastic cast in Offenbach's dream-like opera.

Four women. Four curious love stories. Juan Diego Flórez leads a fantastic cast in Offenbach's dream-like opera.

Through the haze of the years, a poet remembers the women he loved. But when it comes to matters of the heart, nothing is as it seems... particularly when the devil himself is involved!

Journeying back to his school days, Hoffmann relives his childhood romance with Olympia, a model student in every sense. Doomed love follows him into adulthood, where the dancer, Antonia, is taken from him too soon. Meanwhile, the sensual courtesan Giulietta has her own secret agenda. As memory and fantasy becomes increasingly blurred, will Hoffmann find the enigmatic Stella before it is too late?

** Please note: this is an estimated start time. Our Box Office team will be in touch if it is amended.

Image: The Tales of Hoffmann, © Keith Saunders

In 1960 Jane Jacobs’ book The Death and Life of Great American Cities sent shockwaves through the architecture and planning worlds, with its exploration of the consequences of modern planners’ and architects’ reconfiguration of cities.

"★★★★ – A bracing, invigorating documentary" – Guardian

★★★★ – Time Out

★★★★ – Independent

★★★★ – Financial Times

In 1960 Jane Jacobs’ book The Death and Life of Great American Cities sent shockwaves through the architecture and planning worlds, with its exploration of the consequences of modern planners’ and architects’ reconfiguration of cities.

Jacobs was also an activist, who was involved in fights in mid-century New York to stop ‘master builder’ Robert Moses from running roughshod over the city.

This film retraces the battles for the city as personified by Jacobs and Moses, as urbanisation moves to the very front of the global agenda.

Screening as part of Architecture on Film to mark the release of The Brutalist on Fri 24 Jan.

Chosen by our Head Projectionist Paul Marygold. When a young Amish boy is the sole witness to a murder, officer John Book goes into hiding with the boy and his mother in Amish country in Peter Weir's sublime thriller.

★★★★★ – Radio Times

★★★★★ – Empire

★★★★ – The Times

★★★★ – BBC

When a young Amish boy is the sole witness to a murder, officer John Book goes into hiding with the boy and his mother in Amish country in Peter Weir's sublime thriller.

Each month a member of staff chooses a film to screen, January's film was chosen by Head Projectionist Paul Marygold.

"One of those films that that seems to follow me through life like a shadow. Cultures and lives collide in this a supreme example of top flight moviemaking, with everyone involved at the very top of their game. Career best turns from Ford and McGillis are memorably accompanied by Maurice Jarre’s haunting score. Full of unforgettable sounds and visions, Peter Weir’s enduring fable continues to touch a fragile and tender nerve. I cherish this picture and hold it very close to my heart. I’m sure that others do too."

"★★★★★ – a filmmaking triumph" – Evening Standard. Feeling like a throwback to event cinema, Brady Corbet’s sublime, monumental new film is both epic and intimate, with an ensemble cast firing on all cylinders.

Join us from 6pm in the Terrace Room for a drinks reception and pre-screening talk sponsored by IMA Architects. Joe Travers from IMA will talk through the history of Brutalism and point out where you can see and experience it locally and on film.

Spaces are limited, to attend the talk and drinks reception please select your film tickets and then add one "The Brutalist free pre-screening talk" ticket per attendee.

"★★★★★ – a filmmaking triumph" – Evening Standard

"★★★★★ – a monumental moment in modern cinematic history that demands to be seen" – Discussing Film

"★★★★★ – the film to beat at the Oscars" – The Times

"★★★★★ – an electrifying piece of work" – Guardian

★★★★★ – Time Out

★★★★★ – Daily Telegraph

With its ensemble cast firing on all cylinders, Brady Corbet's sublime, monumental new film is both epic  and intimate, and feels like a throwback to event cinema with chapters, overture and a built-in 15 minute intermission.

Having survived the holocaust and fleeing the continued persecution in post-war Europe, Jewish architect László Toth (Brody) arrives in America to build a life for himself and his family. László settles in Pennsylvania where his work catches the eye of wealthy industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Pearce) who commissions him to build a huge brutalist community centre.

But László’s uncompromising vision puts him at odds with his partners, and his legacy comes with a heavy cost.

All screenings will include a 15min intermission with a countdown timer.

LAZY SUNDAY

The 12.30pm screening on Sun 26 Jan, has a Lazy Sunday option – a film and breakfast ticket for £14.95.

• Choose the Lazy Sunday ticket, join us from 11am on Sunday and simply show your ticket at the Café Bar to choose your breakfast.
• The menu can be viewed here. Each breakfast includes a tea or filter coffee.
• We suggest arriving at least an hour before the film starts to allow time to order and eat.

• Advance booking is advised to avoid disappointment, as Lazy Sunday tickets are limited.

Come with us on a journey through the weird, the wonderful, the cult and the long forgotten... into the world of mystery film. Nobody knows what the film will be until the lights drop and the opening titles roll.

Come with us on a journey through the weird, the wonderful, the cult and the long forgotten... into the world of mystery film! Nobody knows what the film will be until the lights drop and the opening titles roll.

A Phoenix favourite that regularly sells out – book early to guarantee your seat and enjoy surprise cinema.

Screening as part of CineMisfits, a film festival curated and delivered by DMU students.

The Mystery Film may be any classification up to an 18 certificate. As such, these screenings are for over-18s only.

Inheriting his childhood home in Oregon after his father vanishes, Blake takes his family to visit. But after they are attacked by something toothsome in the dead of night, they are forced to barricade themselves inside the remote cabin.

"A blood-chilling reimagining of the classic Universal monster pic" – Variety

Inheriting his childhood home in Oregon after his father vanishes, Blake takes his family to visit. After they are attacked by something toothsome in the dead of night, they barricade themselves inside the remote cabin, but as the night wears on Bllake starts to act strangely...

Leigh Whannell made waves with his smart update of The Invisible Man in 2015 and this new take on Wolf Man offers thrills and (blood) spills in equal measure.

Since Snowball the dolphin rescued a little boy from a plane crash, they have been best friends, growing up together and entertaining the marine life with their hijinks.

Since Snowball the dolphin rescued a little boy from a plane crash, they have been best friends, growing up together and entertaining the marine life with their hijinks.

Then one day the peace of their joyful little world is destroyed by the evil Octopus who banishes the boy to land, where he will have to learn to live among people and understand the secret of his origin.

A heart-warming family animation.

It’s 1943 and so far, the inhabitants of the "Isle of Todday" have escaped the worst of wartime rationing, but when the supply of whisky runs out, despondency descends until the good ship SS Cabinet Minister runs aground on a foggy night.

"★★★★★ – Beguiling, subversive and a complete joy" – Guardian

★★★★ – Evening Standard

★★★★ – Empire

It’s 1943 and so far, the inhabitants of the "Isle of Todday" have escaped the worst of wartime rationing, but when the supply of whisky runs out, despondency descends until the good ship SS Cabinet Minister runs aground on a foggy night.

Fortunately, the cargo includes 50,000 barrels of whisky and a battle of wits ensues as the islanders try to outwit customs officials by hiding their salvage in a variety of ingenious places.

A perfect way to celebrate Burns Night!

Screening as part of CineMisfits, a film festival curated and delivered by DMU students.

Academy-award-winning director Danny Boyle’s black comedy set in urban Edinburgh is regarded as one of the best Scottish films of all time, making it a perfect fit for this year’s Burns Night.

"★★★★★ – Easy to start, all-consuming, impossible to quit" – The Times

★★★★★ – Guardian

★★★★★ – Radio Times

Academy-award-winning director Danny Boyle’s black comedy set in urban Edinburgh is regarded as one of the best Scottish films of all time, making it a perfect fit for this year’s Burns Night.

Heroin addict Renton (Ewan McGregor) and his band of unpredictable and dangerous fiends, struggles to get clean and reintegrate himself into society. Tackling unemployment, poverty, and the worst toilets in Scotland!

Don’t miss out on this special screening of a British cinema classic with its pulsing soundtrack and adrenaline-fueled style.

Screening as part of CineMisfits, a film festival curated and delivered by DMU students.

Based on the 1963 classic children’s book by Maurice Sendak, director Spike Jonze’s imaginative adaptation is an emotional, gritty and magical adventure of wonderful creatures and life lessons.

“Let the wild rumpus start!”

After an argument with his mum, a young boy runs away to a fantastical island inhabited by the “Wild Things”.

Based on the 1963 classic children’s book by Maurice Sendak, director Spike Jonze’s imaginative adaptation is an emotional, gritty and magical adventure of wonderful creatures and life lessons

Screening as part of CineMisfits, a film festival curated and delivered by DMU students.

Chaplin's classic silent comedy is a wild roller coaster and hilarious turn of events, emotions and absurd set pieces which take you from the high-top snowy mountains of Klondike to a wondrous winter town on the gold trail.

"★★★★★ – It's easy to see why this has consistently entertained generations of audiences" – Empire

Chaplin's classic silent comedy is a wild roller coaster and hilarious turn of events, emotions and absurd set pieces which take you from the high-top snowy mountains of Klondike to a wondrous winter town on the gold trail.

Chaplin plays a lone prospector who ventures into the harsh snowy Alaskan landscape during the 1890s to seek his fortune. Instead, he finds a surprisingly chilled bear, a wanted criminal (Tom Murray), burly amnesiac Big Jim McKay (Mack Swain) and a beautiful dance hall girl (Lita Grey), with whom he falls in love.

Do not miss your chance to strike gold by coming to see this classic comedy on the big screen.

Screening as part of CineMisfits, a film festival curated and delivered by DMU students.

This new documentary is the definitive tribute to the Merchant Ivory partnership, the legendary professional and personal relationship that produced such films as Shakespeare Wallah, A Room with a View, Howards End and The Remains of the Day.

★★★★ – Eye for Film

★★★★ – Radio Times

This new documentary is the definitive tribute to the Merchant Ivory partnership, the legendary professional and personal relationship that produced such films as Shakespeare Wallah, A Room with a View, Howards End and The Remains of the Day.

Anchored by interviews with James Ivory, the film also features 41 of Merchant Ivory’s close collaborators who detail their experiences of being a part of the famous “wandering company”.

In this ingenious mixture of visionary science fiction and non-fiction, Academy Award and BAFTA winner, Asif Kapadia (Senna, Amy) transports us to a future foreshadowed by the terrifying realities of our present.

“Monumentally powerful” – Little White Lies

“A galvanizing call to action” – The Playlist

The film will feature a cinema-exclusive 25min pre-recorded Q&A with director Asif Kapadia and Carole Cadwalladr.

2073 blends compelling archive footage and commentary with sci-fi drama in this vital cinematic warning from a dystopian future to tackle the biggest challenges endangering our present day and the existence of humanity.

In this ingenious mixture of visionary science fiction and non-fiction, Academy Award and BAFTA winner, Asif Kapadia (Senna, Amy) transports us to a future foreshadowed by the terrifying realities of our present. Academy Award nominee Samantha Morton (Minority Report) plays a survivor besieged by nightmare visions of the past - a past that happens to be our present...

2073 is an urgent, unshakable vision of a dystopic future that could very well be our own.

**Please note - the film will feature descriptive subtitles but the pre-recorded Q&A will not.

“Honour our roots. Honour our dead” is the motto that guided Omar Rodriguez Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala (founding members of At the Drive In and The Mars Volta) through 30 years of friendship and a boundary-breaking music career.

“Honour our roots. Honour our dead” is the motto that guided Omar Rodriguez Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala (founding members of At the Drive In and The Mars Volta) through 30 years of friendship and a boundary-breaking music career.

Compiled of archival footage recorded by Omar himself, this documentary sees the duo facing xenophobia, toxic music environments, and the loss of loved ones; all whilst staying true to their cultures and artistic integrity.

Join us from 6pm for acoustic performances of The Mars Volta songs in our Terrace Room.

Screening as part of CineMisfits, a film festival curated and delivered by DMU students.

Beautifully shot in black and white with music by Satyajit Ray, Merchant Ivory’s luminous second film is loosely based on the real-life exploits of actor-manager Geoffrey Kendal’s titular theatre company.

Beautifully shot in black and white with music by Satyajit Ray, Merchant Ivory’s luminous second film is loosely based on the real-life exploits of actor-manager Geoffrey Kendal’s titular theatre company.

Lizzie (Kendal) falls for handsome fellow Shakespearean actor Sanju (Kapoor), but he’s also embroiled in an affair with Bollywood star Manjula (Madhur Jaffrey). Celebrate the 60th anniversary of this classic with our ‘Chai and Chaat’ event in our Café Bar - more info available soon.

Screening as part of CineMisfits, a film festival curated and delivered by DMU students.

Living in suburban Virginia, Darko narrowly avoids a freak accident and becomes plagued by visions of a monstrous bunny who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds.

"★★★★★ – Gyllenhaal's breakthrough performance is simultaneously heartfelt, melancholy and mischievous" – Total Film

★★★★★ – The Skinny

★★★★ – Empire

This mind-bending, cult-classic psycho thriller stars Jake Gyllenhaal as troubled teen Donnie Darko.  

Living in suburban Virginia, Darko narrowly avoids a freak accident and becomes plagued by visions of a monstrous bunny who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds.

Is he going crazy? Is the bunny real? And what will happen in 28 days?

Don't miss a rare chance to see this award-winning, fantastically bizarre film on the big screen.

Screening as part of CineMisfits, a film festival curated and delivered by DMU students.

Settle in for CineMisfits Film Festival's Late Night Friday double bill, featuring 2000s classic Donnie Darko and Jordan Peele's 2019 eerie horror Us.

Settle in for CineMisfits Film Festival's Late Night Friday double bill, featuring 2000s classic Donnie Darko and Jordan Peele's 2019 eerie horror Us.

Donnie Darko

This mind-bending, cult-classic psycho thriller stars Jake Gyllenhall as troubled teen Donnie Darko.

Living in suburban Virginia, Darko narrowly avoids a freak accident and becomes plagued by visions of a monstrous bunny who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds.

Is he going crazy? Is the bunny real? And what will happen in 28 days?

Us

Set in Santa Cruz California, this film takes us back to 1986 where Adelaide Thomas is forever changed by a chance encounter in the funhouse.

Following that encounter, Adelaide suddenly stops speaking and disengages from her family. Back in the present, as the horrors of the past return to haunt her, Adelaide is forced to protect her family.

Winner of over 80 global awards, US has been cited as one of the best horrors of the 21st century.

Set in Santa Cruz California, this film takes us back to 1986 where Adelaide Thomas is forever changed by a chance encounter in a  funhouse. Winner of over 80 global awards, Us has been cited as one of the best horrors of the 21st century.

"★★★★★ – a sinister masterclass in spiralling terror" – Telegraph

"★★★★ – A thrilling, complicated and brilliantly well-acted sophomore offering from a director who is at the top of his game" – HeyUGuys

★★★★ – Guardian

★★★★ – Empire

★★★★ – Independent

Set in Santa Cruz California, this film takes us back to 1986 where Adelaide Thomas is forever changed by a chance encounter in a funhouse.

Following that encounter, Adelaide suddenly stops speaking and disengages from her family. Back in the present, as the horrors of the past return to haunt her, Adelaide is forced to protect her family.

Winner of over 80 global awards, Us has been cited as one of the best horrors of the 21st century.

With his latest film Hard Truths released on 31 January, join us for this one-day course that delves into the cinematic back catalogue of director Mike Leigh – a filmmaker renowned for his ability to tap into the times in which we live.

With his latest film Hard Truths released on 31 January, we delve into the cinematic back catalogue of director Mike Leigh – a filmmaker renowned for his ability to tap into the times in which we live, and the improvisational nature of his process.

Join us for this one-day course where we'll examine how these two things have worked in concert to create a unique body of work.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Price: £20/£18 Members

Tutor: Kenton Hall

Booking Information:

This one-day course will run at Phoenix on Saturday 1 February 2025, 11.30am – 5pm.

You must be 18 or over to attend.

Cancellation Policy:

We do not offer refunds for cancellations of bookings, except in exceptional circumstances. In the event that an advertised course is withdrawn, we will endeavour to give 7 days’ notice and a full refund will be made.

View our Learner Agreement

ABOUT THE TUTOR

Kenton Hall is an award-winning Canadian writer, director, musician and teacher, with numerous short and feature film credits to his name - both behind and in front of the camera. Kenton also teaches a BTEC in Creative Media Production through Leicester College and The Art of Screenwriting here at Phoenix. He has played a variety of roles on-stage and screen, from Les Miserables and Muppets Most Wanted to 4th Floor of Singapore and Father to Fall. He most recently wrote, directed and co-starred in the feature film A Dozen Summers, published the comic memoir Bisection, about living and parenting with bipolar disorder and co-wrote and co-directed London After Midnight, an audio resurrection of the lost Lon Chaney film, starring Art Malik.

A brilliant adaptation of his own novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being Wallflower follows Charlie as he navigates mental health, relationships, adolescence, sexuality, abuse and the fear of not fitting in while trying to find his place in the High School hierarchy.

"★★★★ – An honest, affection-hooking, coming-of-age drama" – Empire

"★★★★ – Teenage wallflowers, past and present alike, will feel tingles of recognition, and pure pleasure" – Daily Telegraph

★★★★ – HeyUGuys

★★★★ – Evening Standard

A brilliant adaptation of his own novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being Wallflower follows Charlie as he navigates mental health, relationships, adolescence, sexuality, abuse and the fear of not fitting in while trying to find his place in the High School hierarchy.

This star-studded classic concludes our Cine Misfit festival, so don your tuxes and evening gowns for our prom-style event in the Terrace Bar afterwards.

Screening as part of CineMisfits, a film festival curated and delivered by DMU students.

Seen by over 120 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.

Seen by over 120 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.

In 2019, Cameron Mackintosh produced a spectacular sell-out staged concert version at the Gielgud Theatre featuring an all-star cast including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Matt Lucas and John Owen Jones. Now cinema audiences can experience a unique encore of this incredible show to celebrate Les Misérables 40th anniversary.

Featuring a cast and orchestra of over 65 and including the songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home, One Day More and On My Own this sensational staged concert is not to be missed.

Victor Kossakovsky’s jaw-dropping documentary offers us a god’s eye view of man’s attempt to build with and against the elements.

"★★★★ – A gorgeously photographed poetic reverie" – Observer

★★★★ – Financial Times

Victor Kossakovsky’s jaw-dropping documentary offers us a god’s eye view of man’s attempt to build with and against the elements.

Told largely without narration, Kossakovsky’s camera shows construction – the churning rock at quarries shot in hallucinogenic 96 frames per second – and devastating destruction, such as the aftermath of Turkey’s earthquakes.

Our guide across this grand terrain is architect Michele De Lucchi, who offers us ideas for ways we can find new ideas of beauty – ones that speak to eternal principles while also pushing us to a new future.

For anyone who values the power of architecture, as well as epic scale filmmaking, this is a film pulled from the earth that will hold you rapt.

A practical, skills-based guide to screenwriting, taking you from your initial idea to a finished short film script over the course of eight weeks.

The Art of Screenwriting will provide a practical, skills-based guide to screenwriting, taking you from your initial idea to a finished short film script over the course of eight weeks.

Experienced writer Kenton Hall will cover all aspects of screenwriting and working in the film industry, enabling you to take part in the full script-to-screen process. Writers of all levels of experience will be encouraged to develop, pitch and refine a short film script, while developing both their craft and industry knowledge.

All participants will write a script at the end of the course which will be edited to professional standards.

"Kenton showed a great deal of passion about the subject and this transmitted to the participants. We were all impressed with his depth of knowledge and effective methodology in kick-starting our creativity. High recommendation from me for course and tutors." – The Art of Screenwriting course participant

Course Breakdown:

Week 1:   An introduction to screenwriting

Week 2:   The 'light bulb' moment: is your idea any good? – ideas and pitching

Week 3:   Structure and why it matters – structuring your script

Week 4:   A bunch of authors in search of some characters – writing convincing characters

Week 5:   The plot thickens – plot construction

Week 6:   Your first draft and how much it sucks! – writing your script

Week 7:   How I learned to stop worrying and love my script editor – editing and refining your script

Week 8:   Giving up your baby: what happens next? – how a script is developed into a film

FURTHER INFORMATION

Price: £100 / £90 conc / £82 Members

Tutor: Kenton Hall

Booking Information:
This 8 week course will run at Phoenix on Tuesdays, 7pm – 9pm, from 4 February – 25 March 2025.

You must be 18 or over to attend.

Cancellation Policy:
We do not offer refunds for cancellations of bookings, except in exceptional circumstances. In the event that an advertised course is withdrawn, we will endeavour to give 7 days’ notice and a full refund will be made.

View our Learner Agreement.

ABOUT THE TUTOR

Kenton Hall is an award-winning Canadian writer, director, musician and teacher, with numerous short and feature film credits to his name – both behind and in front of the camera. Alongside his work as a novelist, screenwriter, musician and actor, he has taught The Art of Screenwriting here at Phoenix for more than a decade.

He wrote, directed and co-starred in the feature film A Dozen Summers, now available on Netflix; published the comic memoir Bisection, about living and parenting with bipolar disorder; co-wrote the Audible Drama Getting Better, starring Rhod Gilbert, Kathryn Drysdale and Mark Gatiss; co-adapted, for audio, the lost silent horror film London After Midnight starring Art Malik; and wrote the Doctor Who musical spin-off Children of the Circus and its novelisation. Somewhere in between he released the triple album Idiopath as Kenton Hall & The Necessary Measures. He both looks and is tired.

"★★★★★ – enthralling" – Telegraph. David Tennant and Cush Jumbo lead a stellar cast in a new 5-star production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

"★★★★★ – enthralling" – Telegraph

★★★★★ – Guardian

★★★★ – WhatsOnStage

★★★★ – Time Out

David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife, Criminal Record) lead a stellar cast in a new production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London, especially for the big screen.

Unsettling intimacy and brutal action combine at breakneck speed as Max Webster (Life of Pi, Henry V) directs this tragic tale of love, murder, and nature’s power of renewal.

Both performances on Sun 16 Feb will have all dialogue subtitled. **Please note there is not a descriptive subtitled version available so it will not contain information on sound effects and music.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Ben Crosland's critically acclaimed trio Threeway be performing in the fourth of our season of autumn/winter events in partnership with Leicester Jazz House.

“The ensemble playing has the togetherness that only comes from top musicians who know each other well and think as one. Everything is clear and precise yet full of delicacy and feeling” – Dave Gelly, Observer

Ben Crosland (bass), Steve Waterman (trumpet/flugelhorn) and Steve Lodder (piano/keyboards) came together as Threeway in May 2004, having played at a charity event at the home of two of Crosland’s closest friends. The feeling was that there was real compatibility between them and something new and exciting could emerge within the context of a chamber jazz trio without drums.

Praised for their attractive brand of melodic, fresh sounding, subtle jazz which receives regular airplay on BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM and UK Jazz Radio, their distinctive sound is characterised by the intense interplay between the band members.

With three critically acclaimed albums already under their belt, the band is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an album of new compositions, HARKEN!, featuring guitar legend John Etheridge as their special guest.

Runtime includes a 30-minute interval (approx).

Norio is trying to make an honest living in the shady world of antiques. Battling against the tide, Norio teams up with impoverished ceramic artist Sasuke and the pair decide to make the gamble of a lifetime against an authenticator with whom they both have a score to settle.

Norio (Kiichi Nakai) is trying to make an honest living in the shady world of antiques. Battling against the tide, Norio teams up with impoverished ceramic artist Sasuke (Kuranosuke Sasaki) and the pair decide to make the gamble of a lifetime against an authenticator with whom they both have a score to settle.

An entertaining crowd-pleaser that offers an amusing take on the serious world of antiques trading – think Antiques Roadshow meets Ocean’s Eleven!

Image credit:（C）2018 "We Make Antiques!" Film Partners

Baddest. Cowboy. Texas. These are just a few words to describe the Baddest Cowboy in Texas. But something's missing. Join Bangtail as he roots ‘n toots from the mightiest mountains to the sauciest saloons in search of his manhood.

"★★★★★ – Sheer, brilliant, well executed madness” – Three Weeks

"​★★★★★ – Genius!" – Voice Mag

"​★★★★★ – A stunning and hilarious exploration of modern masculinity" – The Reviews Hub

Baddest. Cowboy. Texas. These are just a few words to describe the Baddest Cowboy in Texas. But something's missing. Join Bangtail as he roots ‘n toots from the mightiest mountains to the sauciest saloons in search of his manhood.

Nominee for Best Variety Show at Leicester Comedy Festival and fully sold out run at Ed Fringe 2024 before transferring to SOHO Theatre and touring the USA!

'b i r d' is a surreal piece of cosmic-horror-comedy-theatre, set in a sinister, subterraneous bird sanctuary - which may (or may not) be a shadowy front for an ancient cult that worships the ever-thrumming Eldritchian entity which may (or may not) be buried beneath its grounds.

'b i r d' is a surreal piece of cosmic-horror-comedy-theatre, set in a sinister, subterraneous bird sanctuary - which may (or may not) be a shadowy front for an ancient cult that worships the ever-thrumming Eldritchian entity which may (or may not) be buried beneath its grounds.

During your visit we invite you to marvel, slack-jawed at the wonder of nature via exhilarating flying displays; get up close and personal with some of our rarer breeds; buy a mandatory novelty teatowel at the giftshop and above all have a bird-tastic day...

Winner of RVK Fringe's 'Fringe Of The Fringe' award, 2024.

Josh Weller is one the funniest, most inventive stand-up comedians in the country. You might have seen him in The Witcher (where he dies) or A Gentleman in Moscow (where he also dies). Come watch him work on his new show.

★★★★★ – Broadway World

★★★★★ – The List

★★★★ – Chortle

Josh Weller is one the funniest, most inventive stand-up comedians in the country. His observational and self-deprecating humour has had hundreds of millions of views online.

You might have seen him in The Witcher (where he dies) or A Gentleman in Moscow (where he also dies). Come watch him work on his new show.

The 2022 Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and winner of NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy 2024 brings the beginnings of a brand new show to Leicester Comedy Festival.

"★★★★ – Scintillatingly unpredictable... Outlandishly funny... Raucous belly laughs fill the room from start to finish" – Chortle

"★★★★ – Overwhelmingly successful... the laugh count is consistently, admirably high" – Scotsman

The 2022 Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and winner of NextUp’s Biggest Award in Comedy 2024 brings the beginnings of a brand new show to Leicester Comedy Festival.

As seen in Netflix’s Afterlife plus BBC’s Ghosts and This Time With Alan Partridge.

After last year's sold out show and the success of his debut Edinburgh Fringe run Danny Clives returns to the Leicester Comedy Festival with a work in progress show.

"A guy who knows how to write a joke" – Chortle

"Danny turns life's struggles into brilliantly understated observational gags" – Joe Lycett

After last year's sold out show and the success of his debut Edinburgh Fringe run Danny Clives returns to the Leicester Comedy Festival with a work in progress show.

Danny is an alumni of Soho Theatre’s Comedy Labs and has been nominated for the BBC Comedy Award.

Bella Hull is a London-based stand-up comedian and writer and one of the UK’s most exciting young comedians.

Bella Hull is a London-based stand-up comedian and writer and one of the UK’s most exciting young comedians.

Bella brought her debut hour, Babycakes, to the Edinburgh Fringe and then to London’s Soho Theatre to wide acclaim.

She regularly plays to sell-out crowds across the UK and her TV appearances include BBC’s Stand Up for Live Comedy, ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show and Comedy Central Live.

A special version of this unique comedy experience. It's still comedy, and it's still dark... a perfect family show for Half-Term giggles.

A special version of this unique comedy experience. It's still comedy, and it's still dark... a perfect family show for Half-Term giggles.

Visit Leicester Comedy Festival website for more details, with the full line-up to be announced soon.

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Recommended for 8-12 year olds.

Fresh from Edinburgh Fringe 2024, Farm Fatale is the smash-hit, critically-acclaimed debut solo show from an agricultural icon, likely to cause delight or distress to anyone who becomes involved with her, or her livestock.

"★★★★ – Tremendous... Wonderfully batty and unapologetic, a solo debut to cherish" – Guardian

Fresh from Edinburgh Fringe 2024, Farm Fatale is the smash-hit, critically-acclaimed debut solo show from an agricultural icon, likely to cause delight or distress to anyone who becomes involved with her, or her livestock.

Winner Musical Comedy Awards 2023

Nominee NextUp Biggest Award in Comedy 2024

Mervy Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe 2024

This unique comedy experience returns to the Leicester Comedy Festival off the back of sell-outs at Edinburgh Fringe 2023.

This unique comedy experience returns to the Leicester Comedy Festival off the back of sell-outs at Edinburgh Fringe 2023.

At Comedy in the Dark, the audience's senses are heightened - things look and sound different. Guests will include Sajeela Kershi, Tasmin Sarkany, Jamie D'Souza, Allyson June Smith, David Eagle and more.

"Destined to become one of the most talked about shows" (Time Out).

In Shane Meadows' electrifying thriller, Paddy Considine is on chilling form as a disaffected soldier who returns to his hometown seeking revenge against the thugs who brutally bullied his younger brother.

In Shane Meadows' electrifying thriller, Paddy Considine stars as a disaffected soldier who returns to his hometown seeking revenge against the thugs who bullied his brother.

Each month a member of staff chooses a film to screen, February's film was chosen by Assistant Operations Manager Rob Forbes:

"Shane Meadows’ fifth feature manages to be both hard-nosed and poignant, even when it’s tripping off its proverbials. The premise: Meadows’ co-conspirator and star of the show, Paddy Considine, returns to his old stomping ground – think a tatty Jack Carter enroute to a Rambo cosplay convention - to wreak savage, bloody revenge on smalltown ne’re-do-wells. Filmed and set in rural Derbyshire, you wouldn’t get this sort of s**thousery in Market Harborough."

Leicester Comedy Festival 2024 Award Nominee Will BF is back with an all new sci-fi sketch comedy mockumentary!

Leicester Comedy Festival 2024 Award Nominee Will BF is back with an all new sci-fi sketch comedy mockumentary!

"★★★★★ – Echoes the glory days of The Mighty Boosh, Garth Marenghi and Monty Python" – EdFringeReview

"★★★★ – Wonderful and Weird" – Chortle

Everyone loves the 1979 movie phenomenon Moon Team, but loves to hate its 1999 reboot.

After a multiple sell-out, critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe with the Western that never was: The Last Gun, Will BF is back. Hang onto your space hats (technical term) for a surreal adventure of sketches, songs and multimedia havoc.

Join Erika Ehler to work out material for her new show. Erika’s razor-sharp, dark and visceral writing paired with precise delivery makes her one of the most exciting young comedians on the circuit.

Join Erika Ehler to work out material for her new show.

Erika’s razor-sharp, dark and visceral writing paired with precise delivery makes her one of the most exciting young comedians on the circuit.

Erika has also written for Late Night Mash (Dave), Never Mind The Buzzcocks (Sky), Have I Got News For You (BBC1) and Death to 2020 (Netflix)

Praise for previous shows:

★★★★ (Scotsman)

★★★★(Skinny)

★★★★ (Funny Women)

★★★★ (BroadwayBaby.com).

‘If you think Frankie Boyle’s too soft, Ehler could be the comic for you’ (Chortle)

From Andrew Doherty (writer/performer of Gay Witch Sex Cult) comes a new horror comedy: 20 years ago, actress Nicole Hereafter starred in two series of hit legal drama, ‘Woman Lawyer,’ until her time on the show ended in bloodshed and horror.

From Andrew Doherty (writer/performer of Gay Witch Sex Cult) comes a new horror comedy: 20 years ago, actress Nicole Hereafter starred in two series of hit legal drama, ‘Woman Lawyer,’ until her time on the show ended in bloodshed and horror.

20 years on she invites fans to a screening of the mysteriously unaired Halloween episode “I Breast My Case,” in celebration of the legacy of a groundbreaking show that dared to ask the question; What if lawyer... was woman?

A show about addiction, but not the serious Ted talk kind. Rehab, sleeping with old men for money, AA, the boring mundanity of sobriety. All grim topics, but I promise it’s no sob story.

A show about addiction, but not the serious Ted talk kind. Rehab, sleeping with old men for money, AA, the boring mundanity of sobriety. All grim topics, but I promise it’s no sob story.

It’s about the humour in the darkness, and the search for light, living a brand new life with no tequila bottle in my hand, involving a year in Morocco learning to surf, falling in love with my surf instructor, it's a tale as old as time.

No real lessons will be learned, except perhaps a lesson on how not to live your life. But that’s showbiz baby!

Heidi's new stand-up show about the NHS, spiders, wild drug trips, Australia... you name it! (It helps if you name those four topics).

Heidi's new stand-up show about the NHS, spiders, wild drug trips, Australia... you name it! (It helps if you name those four topics).

Winner of the BBC New Comedy Award and So You Think You’re Funny. Heidi has had two stand-up specials on BBC Radio 4, done tour support for Joe Lycett and Phil Wang and appeared on Just a Minute, The Now Show and Guilty Feminist.

'The standard and silliness of the jokes never dip, providing a richly rewarding hour full of big laughs and excellent storytelling' (Chortle.co.uk).

Watch Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Rob Copland potentially make up a brand new hour of comedy.

"★★★★★ – moves around the stage like flubber, pinging off every surface at incredible speed and drowning the audience in a barrage of jokes" – Chortle

"★★★★ – He steals about the stage, raising an eyebrow, clawing at the air, swinging his mic in precarious arcs" – Guardian

Watch Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Rob Copland potentially make up a brand new hour of comedy.

Chisako rescues a boy who has lost his memory in an accident, but instead of handing him over to social services she decides to pretend to be his mother and takes him under her wing.

Chisako (Anne Watanabe) rescues a boy who has lost his memory in an accident, but instead of handing him over to social services she decides to pretend to be his mother and takes him under her wing.

As they begin to bond, the dangerous repercussions of Chisako’s actions start to mount. Was her lie a crime or an act of love?

A suspenseful mystery that questions the nature of family, the plausibility of escaping the past, and the justness of deception.

Image credit: © 2024 “Stay Mum” Film Partners

Imran, of East-African Indian descent, was born in Mombasa, Kenya, and raised in London.

Imran, of East-African Indian descent, was born in Mombasa, Kenya, and raised in London.

He briefly studied illegally in the USA and traveled extensively, including to Israel/Palestine and Saudi Arabia during the 2006 Lebanon Crisis, which deeply changed him.

In 2010, his debut solo show at the Edinburgh Festival earned a 5-star review and a nomination for Best Newcomer.

He later appeared on TV, including Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, and debuted his BBC radio show *Relabelled* in 2021.

Soft Play presents Just The Two Of Us! (WIP). Co-hosts of hit alt comedy night “Soft Play Area” (Maria Telnikoff and Vidya Divakaran) come together for their debut double-act comedy hour in which they embody EVERY GREAT DUO IN HISTORY.

Soft Play presents Just The Two Of Us! (WIP). Co-hosts of hit alt comedy night “Soft Play Area” (Maria Telnikoff and Vidya Divakaran) come together for their debut double-act comedy hour in which they embody EVERY GREAT DUO IN HISTORY.

From Romulus and Remus to Wham! join these two silly billies on a time travelling hour of nonsense, shenanigans and a lot of dance breaks.

A funny comedy show all about a silly little guy I like to call me. Madcap prop chaos . Tremendous jokes and wordplay. Hardcore, unfiltered, full-frontal Mikey Mode.

"Meticulously weird" – Guardian

"Cracking physical comedy" – Chortle

A funny comedy show all about a silly little guy I like to call me. Madcap prop chaos . Tremendous jokes and wordplay. Hardcore, unfiltered, full-frontal Mikey Mode.

As seen on Disney+ (1minute and 23seconds)

Sketch Off Finalist 2022

Rising Star, Andy Barr, has been in the stand-up game for a while, but yet to reach his apex due to a series of three inscrutable, high-concept, character based shows.

"★★★★ – Skilfully written and delivered lines ... Barr's comic timing and gestures are impeccable" – The List

Rising Star, Andy Barr, has been in the stand-up game for a while, but yet to reach his apex due to a series of three inscrutable, high-concept, character based shows.

Now, for his fourth debut hour, television's Andy Barr (London Live News, 2017) goes back to basics with a selection of classic gags, thoughts, poetry, shouting, bitter recriminations, coruscating social critique, puns (reader invited to delete in accordance with personal taste).

★★★★ – Telegraph. From atop his ivory tower, Benjamin Alborough must decide the fate of the entire world. Luckily, the audience can help him via a series of incredibly stressful quicktime events.

★★★★ – Telegraph

★★★★ –  Chortle

From atop his ivory tower, Benjamin Alborough must decide the fate of the entire world. Luckily, the audience can help him via a series of incredibly stressful quicktime events.

A follow-up to his anarchic gameshow Absolute Monopoly (and a distraction from his all-star chat show Late Night with Terry Wogan) this new WIP interactive comedy show will eventually have a couple hundred endings.

Sam Nicoresti (Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year 2021, Chortle Best MC Nominee 2024) returns with a show that isn’t about anything at all.

Sam Nicoresti (Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year 2021, Chortle Best MC Nominee 2024) returns with a show that isn’t about anything at all.

In a cowardly new hour of sweeping emotional vacuity, Sam (of Nicoresti fame) explores what it means to stand on stage and be consistently funny without at any point resorting to framing, plot, or narrative device.

Worrying about the future, Atsuko (Yuki Amami) has been diligently saving for her retirement. When an argument unexpectedly ends in her paying for her father-in-law’s funeral, Atsuko is left with a huge dent in her funds… and her financial misfortunes don’t stop there!

Worrying about the future, Atsuko (Yuki Amami) has been diligently saving for her retirement.

When an argument unexpectedly ends in her paying for her father-in-law’s funeral, Atsuko is left with a huge dent in her funds… and her financial misfortunes don’t stop there!

Based on Miu Kakiya's best-selling novel, director Tetsu Maeda shines a comical light on the economic issues everyone will eventually face, and how money matters affect families.

She’s here! She’s queer! Her parents are sort of used to it! Fresh, exciting, and overall, just happy to be here, Dee Allum is the greatest transgender comedian her small village has ever produced.

★★★★★ – Ed Fringe Review

★★★★ – The Times

★★★★ – Guardian

She’s here! She’s queer! Her parents are sort of used to it! Fresh, exciting, and overall, just happy to be here, Dee Allum is the greatest transgender comedian her small village has ever produced.

This debut stand-up show is about reconciling with the past, coming out, and going through two puberties (frankly, two too many). As seen on the BBC New Comedy Awards Final, ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show and Comedy Central Live.

Join the irrepressible Lee Peart as he brings his debut work in progress show to Leicester Comedy Festival. Lee blends sharp observations with acerbic storytelling, leaving audiences in stitches.

Join the irrepressible Lee Peart as he brings his debut work in progress show to Leicester Comedy Festival.

Lee blends sharp observations with acerbic storytelling, leaving audiences in stitches.

Known for his unique takes on everyday life and the ultimate awkward moments we all face, he’s fast building a large and loyal audience online with his relatable charm and a knack for turning mundane experiences into comedic gold.

Prepare for a night of laughter that’ll make you question your own life choices—like why you decided to come out in public! Don't miss it!

Hot on the Hooves of BBC Radio 4's 'The Many Wrongs Of Lord Christian Brighty', the reformed rake returns to Leicester to make up for his wrongdoings, and see what new ones he can get away with.

"★★★★ – The outrageously silly meets the eye-wateringly witty" – Scotsman

★★★★ – Telegraph

Hot on the Hooves of BBC Radio 4's 'The Many Wrongs Of Lord Christian Brighty', the reformed rake returns to Leicester to make up for his wrongdoings, and see what new ones he can get away with.

If Lord Brighty can't address your grievances in this hour of comedy mayhem, then at least he tried and you just should drop it, alright?

Best New Show Nominee (Leicester Comedy Festival 2022)

Best Reviewed Shows (BCG, Edinburgh Fringe 2022)

Still existing in the stink of the Edinburgh Fringe where his debut hour received 2 award nominations, Kitch returns with a new show.

Still existing in the stink of the Edinburgh Fringe where his debut hour received 2 award nominations, Kitch returns with a new show.

It’s early days but some info: some is based on a book about Rasputin he started in 2016 & hasn’t finished. It was going to be called laughing stock due to a soup reference.

“pushing at the edges of what stand-up can be defined as..is this where the cult begins?” (Chortle)

“It’s comedy theatre, arty, stylish and cool.  And there’s something extraordinarily watchable about Kitch“ **** (Beyond the Joke)

 “Exceptional” ***** (Mervyn Stutter Pick of the Fringe)

"★★★★★ – Grand in every sense" – BBC. If The Brutalist has put you in the mood for epic cinema, then don’t miss David Lean’s 1962 film on the big screen.

"★★★★★ – Sweeping, epic, majestic, awesome, sumptuous, you name the grandiose superlative and you'll be right" – Empire

"★★★★★ – some of the most jaw-dropping images captured on film" – Total Film

"★★★★★ – Grand in every sense" – BBC

★★★★★ – Daily Telegraph

★★★★★ – Guardian

If The Brutalist has put you in the mood for epic cinema, then don’t miss David Lean’s 1962 film on the big screen.

Recounting the true life experiences of T.E. Lawrence, a young, idealistic British officer in WWI who is assigned to the camp of Prince Feisal, the film will be presented in its original roadshow format, with an overture, intermission, entr’acte and exit music.

Odysseus, King of Ithica, took what many would say is 'too long' to get home. Musical comedian and Theatre botherer Edy Hurst also takes a long time to get home. Watch how he tried to justify this one in the first sailing on a ship of dreams.

Odysseus, King of Ithica, took what many would say is 'too long' to get home. Musical comedian and Theatre botherer Edy Hurst also takes a long time to get home. Watch how he tried to justify this one in the first sailing on a ship of dreams.

Armed with his trusty guitar, loop station, and a license to tell stories, come aboard this ship of dreams and embark on an odd-er-sea of electro-punk, comedic musical mythic mash up.

The only spine safe comedy show!* Alternative comedian and formerly bendy woman Katie Mitchell has hurt her back. Watch her process this in real time. See physio reluctantly performed live on stage! Marvel as she accepts that things dropped on the floor no longer exist! Watch her beloved yoga mat gather dust FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT.

The only spine safe comedy show!* Alternative comedian and formerly bendy woman Katie Mitchell has hurt her back. Watch her process this in real time. See physio reluctantly performed live on stage! Marvel as she accepts that things dropped on the floor no longer exist! Watch her beloved yoga mat gather dust FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT.

NO LAUGHTER. NO SUDDEN MOVEMENTS. YOU MUST SNEEZE UPWARDS.

*Please bring own lumbar support.

Best In Class Alumni 2023

★★★★ – Scotsman. It's always nice to go to a comedy show, knowing exactly what you're going to get and that you're in a safe pair of hands. There's such a lovely comfort in certainty...

★★★★ – Scotsman

★★★★ – Chortle

It's always nice to go to a comedy show, knowing exactly what you're going to get and that you're in a safe pair of hands. There's such a lovely comfort in certainty.

Nominated in 2019 and 2022 for the Best Improv/Musical show at the Leicester Comedy festival Awards, despite being neither Improv or Musical, Consignia bring a new show inspired by the Fluxus art movement to the Leicester Comedy Festival.

Club Wormhole welcomes all to join with our band of alternative comedians, clowns and weirdos for a night of laughter, art and transcendence. After a string of sell-out shows in Nottingham, we are bringing our monthly themed alt comedy cabaret back to Leicester Comedy Festival.

Get in The Hole & Join The Club; We Are Going On An Adventure.

Club Wormhole welcomes all to join with our band of alternative comedians, clowns and weirdos for a night of laughter, art and transcendence. After a string of sell-out shows in Nottingham, we are bringing our monthly themed alt comedy cabaret back to Leicester Comedy Festival.

We’ll have a theme (TBD), acts from the Club Wormhole Gang (TBD) and Special Guests (TBD), hosted by Rosa Keaton and the Clown Lee Kennedy.

Previous guest acts include Sam Nicoresti, Jain Edwards, Mark Dean-Quinn, Josh Glanc, Consignia and Anna Thomas.

Heralded as one of the greatest films of all time, Jacques Tati’s masterpiece takes place in a hyper-consumerist mid-century Paris and follows a befuddled Frenchman lost in the maze of impersonal ultramodern buildings and office complexes.

"★★★★★ – the greatest film ever made" – Little White Lies

"★★★★★ – Comedy has rarely been so intricate, incisive and inspired" – Empire

★★★★★ – Radio Times

★★★★★ – Time Out

Heralded as one of the greatest films of all time, Jacques Tati’s masterpiece takes place in a hyper-consumerist mid-century Paris and follows a befuddled Frenchman lost in the maze of impersonal ultramodern buildings and office complexes.

Inspired by president Charles de Gaulle’s 1960s vow to reform Paris, which resulted in older houses being torn down and replaced with brutalist blocks of glass and steel, this is Tati’s ode to the old quarters of the city where he grew up.

Director Kazuya Shiraishi revitalises Japan’s beloved samurai period drama genre with this meticulously conceived film.

Director Kazuya Shiraishi revitalises Japan’s beloved samurai period drama genre with this meticulously conceived film.

Kakunoshin (Tsuyoshi Kusanagi) was accused of a crime he didn't commit. Having lost his wife and been chased out of his hometown, he now lives with his daughter Okinu (Kaya Kiyohara) as a ronin.

One day, Kakunoshin learns the truth that brought these tragic circumstances upon him and together, he and his daughter resolve to take revenge for the sake of their honour.

Image credit: ©2024 "BUSHIDO" FILM PARTNERS

We're pleased to announce that the speakers at our next PLATFORM Artist Network event will be UK-based critics Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad, collaboratively known as The White Pube.

We're pleased to announce that the speakers at our next PLATFORM Artist Network event will be UK-based critics Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad, collaboratively known as The White Pube.

The White Pube is the collaborative identity of UK-based critics Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad. They have been turning heads since 2015 when the pair began publishing provocative art reviews and essays online from their art school studios and have earned themselves an international cult following due to their innovative writing style, their honesty and irreverence, and their willingness to challenge the pale, male, stale art establishment. Poor Artists is their first book.

Event schedule:

6.30pm – doors open

6.45pm – talk from The White Pube

7.45pm – networking

9pm – end

This is a public event, open to all. Tickets are £2.

PLATFORM is a new programme for filmmakers and digital visual artists in Leicester. Find out more here.

Code of Conduct

PLATFORM is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment for all participants. We value inclusivity, appreciate difference and welcome learning from others. We aim to create a space for filmmakers and artists to network, learn, and exchange ideas. By attending our events, all participants agree to uphold the PLATFORM Code of Conduct.

Read the PLATFORM Code of Conduct

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.

While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.

Max Webster (Life of Pi) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.

*Please note - the Tue 25 Feb show will feature descriptive subtitles

Some-Antics is back with a spoken word-comedy hybrid show as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival! With spoken word and comedy open mic, a poetry slam with cash prize, our world-famous raffle, and Ninja Bob playing tunes!

In February, Some-Antics has a special show as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival!

Our comedy-poetry hybrid event includes comedy and poetry open mic, comedy and poetry features from Henry Michael and Fin MacArthur, as well as a poetry slam with cash prize, raffle and DJ Ninja Bob.

Welcome to the world of short cinema – comedy films that range from the bizarre to the outright hilarious - screening cherry picked beauties to delight the comedy connoisseur.

Welcome to the world of short cinema – comedy films that range from the bizarre to the outright hilarious - screening cherry picked beauties to delight the comedy connoisseur.

Popcorn Funnies showcases comedy short films and sketches, joins comedians, writers and filmmakers to connect and make incredible, funny short films. You get to see some awesome comedy shorts, chat to BFI NETWORK, have a Q & A session with the film-makers and a networking sessions! For more info (and to see some of last years films) visit www.flipyou.co.uk

Exploring the shifts and disparities in post-war Japanese moral standards, this iconic comedy endures as one of Keisuke Kinoshita’s most beloved films.

In rural mountain village just after the Second World War, the arrival of a girl, Okin (Hideko Takamine), and her friend attracts curiosity from the locals.

Although she was originally from the village, Okin claims she has now become an artistic dancer in Tokyo going by the stage name of Carmen.

Exploring the shifts and disparities in post-war Japanese moral standards, this iconic comedy endures as one of Keisuke Kinoshita’s most beloved films.

Image credit: ©1951/2012 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

With its dizzying depiction of a futuristic cityscape and female robot, Metropolis is the mother of sci-fi cinema and its jaw-dropping production values, iconic imagery, and modernist grandeur remain as powerful as ever.

"★★★★★ – Essential viewing" – BBC

"★★★★★ – A fantastical monument to Fritz Lang's megalomania, this sci-fi silent remains one of the gems of the genre" – Empire

"★★★★★ – Unmissable" – Guardian

"★★★★★ – An eternal masterpiece" – Daily Telegraph

★★★★★ – Time Out

With its dizzying depiction of a futuristic cityscape and female robot, Metropolis is the mother of sci-fi cinema and its jaw-dropping production values, iconic imagery, and modernist grandeur remain as powerful as ever.

Drawing on and defining classic sci-fi themes, director Fritz Lang depicts a dystopian future in which society is divided in two: while anonymous workers conduct their endless drudgery below ground, their rulers enjoy a decadent life of leisure and luxury.

Classical ballet's most powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness.

Classical ballet's most powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness.

Bringing together Tchaikovsky’s sensational score with the incredible imagination of choreographer Liam Scarlett and designer John Macfarlane, the Royal Ballet's sumptuous production of Swan Lake on the big screen is an exceptional way to experience this ultimate ballet classic.

Image credit: Swan Lake, The Royal Ballet ©2022 ROH. Photograph by Tristram Kenton

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar returns to its roots with this sensational performance filmed in the UK during the Live Arena Tour.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar returns to its roots with this sensational performance filmed in the UK during the Live Arena Tour.

An incredible cast including Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot, Melanie Chisholm as Mary Magdalene, Chris Moyles as King Herod and Ben Forster as Jesus Christ, perform hit songs including I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane, Heaven on Their Minds, Everything’s Alright, King Herod’s Song and “Superstar” in an exciting and contemporary interpretation.

*This film contains a sequence of flashing lights which might affect customers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

This multi award-winning show captured recently at the Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre is an extraordinary musical journey paying homage to Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences.

This multi award-winning show captured recently at the Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre is an extraordinary musical journey paying homage to Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences.

Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock & roll. The unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock.

Fuelled by such unforgettable songs as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart”, “Mercedes Benz”, “Cry Baby” and “Summertime”, a remarkable cast and breakout performances, A Night with Janis Joplin - written and directed by Randy Johnson - is a musical journey celebrating Janis and her biggest musical influences, icons like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, who inspired one of rock ‘n roll’s greatest legends.

The Impressionists are the most popular group in art history with millions flocking every year to marvel at their masterpieces. This new Exhibition on Screen special is set in the spectacular Musée d’Orsay exhibition, bringing fresh eyes to an extraordinary tale of passion and rebellion.

The Impressionists are the most popular group in art history - millions flock every year to marvel at their masterpieces. But, to begin with, they were scorned, penniless outsiders. 1874 was the year that changed everything; the first Impressionists, “hungry for independence”, broke the mould by holding their own exhibition outside official channels. Impressionism was born and the art world was changed forever.

What led to that first groundbreaking show 150 years ago? Who were the maverick personalities that wielded their brushes in such a radical and provocative way? The spectacular Musée d’Orsay exhibition brings fresh eyes to this extraordinary tale of passion and rebellion. The story is told not by historians and curators but in the words of those who witnessed the dawn of Impressionism: the artists, press and people of Paris, 1874. See the show that changed everything on the big screen.

Made in close collaboration with the Musee d’Orsay and National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

The greatest love story ever told – through ballet. An ancient family feud casts a long shadow over the town of Verona. In this hothouse of tension, brawls are quick to break out and both sides get caught in the crossfire.

The greatest love story ever told – through ballet. An ancient family feud casts a long shadow over the town of Verona.

In this hothouse of tension, brawls are quick to break out and both sides get caught in the crossfire.

Image credit: Romeo and Juliet, The Royal Ballet © 2019 ROH. Photograph by Helen Maybanks

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge, The Trip) plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.

On sale to MyPhoenix Members only until 10am on Fri 13 Dec.

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge, The Trip) plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.

When a rogue U.S General triggers a nuclear attack, a surreal race takes place, seeing the Government and one eccentric scientist scramble to avert global destruction.

This explosively funny satire is led by a world-renowned creative team including Emmy Award-winner Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep) and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow, The Play What I Wrote).

Puccini’s captivating opera of a cold-hearted princess and her mysterious suitor. Featuring the ever-popular ‘Nessun dorma’, this opera of love and revenge is brought to life in a dazzling production.

Puccini’s captivating opera of a cold-hearted princess and her mysterious suitor.

Featuring the ever-popular ‘Nessun dorma’, this opera of love and revenge is brought to life in a dazzling production.

Image credit: Turandot, The Royal Opera ©2023 Marc Brenner

Based on the Academy Award® nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical has won the hearts of millions since it opened in London’s West End in 2005.

Based on the Academy Award® nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical has won the hearts of millions since it opened in London’s West End in 2005.

Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

The original creative team behind the film, including writer Lee Hall (book & lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, and choreographer, Peter Darling, is joined by music legend Elton John (music) to produce a funny, uplifting and spectacular theatrical experience that will stay with you forever.

Award winning drummer, composer, arranger and band leader, Clark Tracey, brings to Phoenix a quintet containing some of the biggest names on the British Jazz scene. Part of our season in partnership with Leicester Jazz House season.

"One of the most impressive jazz drummers in Britain today" – The Times

Award winning drummer, composer, arranger and band leader, Clark Tracey, brings to Phoenix a quintet containing some of the biggest names on the British Jazz scene, and revisits some of his father's most famous compositions alongside beloved jazz classics.

Legendary saxophonist Art Themen, for many years a key member of the famous Stan Tracey Quartet, features alongside supremely talented Simon Allen who played sax in the final version of Stan's Quartet. On piano is Dave Newton, voted Best Jazz Pianist 16 times by the UK jazz audience. Andy Clyndert, a major presence on the UK and international jazz scenes for many years, is on bass.

A new band with a fresh sound, delivered by some of the most experienced musicians on the UK scene – a gig not to be missed!

Runtime includes a 30-minute interval (approx).

Join star Ryland Brickson and the beavers as the Hundreds of Beavers UK Tour rolls into Leicester for a one-night-only special screening!

Join star Ryland Brickson and the beavers as the Hundreds of Beavers UK Tour rolls into Leicester for a one-night-only special screening!

A freewheeling, slapstick feast following a drunken applejack salesman as he takes on an army of diabolical beavers – hundreds of them – in a fight for survival, Hundreds of Beavers won multiple awards on the festival circuit where it delighted audiences with its homages to silent comedies and classic Looney Tunes style action.

The screening will be followed by an audience Q&A with Ryland, merch signing and general beaver-based shenanigans.

Award-winning filmmaker and director Keith Allott leads our annual 8-week practical introduction to filmmaking.

Award-winning filmmaker and director Keith Allott (Badshoes Film) leads our annual 8-week practical introduction to filmmaking, taking you step by step all the way from pre-production planning through to the final edit of your film.

We will look at using the camera and what shot types cause what effects with an audience; capturing good audio and treating it; editing, edit pacing and the effects it has; and how music can change the mood of your film completely.

NOTE: Unfortunately the dates listed in the Jan/Feb brochure were for last year's course. We apologise for any confusion.

Course Breakdown:

Week 1 - Intro & Journey of an Idea / Film Set Roles and Responsibilities

Week 2 - Shot Types / Shooting the Script / Storyboarding

Week 3 - Cinematography / Role of the Director

Week 4 - Mise-en-scene / Legality and Contracts

Week 5 - Sound Recording, Scoring and Soundtrack

Week 6 - Practical Session

Week 7 - Editing and Post-Audio

Week 8 - Exhibition, Distribution and Film Festivals / Q&A

FURTHER INFORMATION

Price: £105 / £95 conc / £87 Members

Tutor: Keith Allott

Booking Information:

This 8-week course will run on Thursdays, 7pm – 9pm, from 17 April – 5 June 2025.

You must be 18 or over to attend.

Member discount available.

Cancellation Policy:

We do not offer refunds for cancellations of bookings, except in exceptional circumstances. In the event that an advertised course is withdrawn, we will endeavour to give 7 days’ notice and a full refund will be made.

View our Learner Agreement.

ABOUT THE TUTOR

Keith Allott is an award-winning narrative, documentary and abstract filmmaker with his own production company, Badshoes Film. His work has screened at film festivals across the world since 1997 including BAFTA qualifying screenings at Aesthetica and Encounters. As a producer he works with young people to create their own films and has helped them to screen and win awards through Into Film, the British Youth Council and multiple festivals including the BFI and INDI’s. He currently teaches film production and theory at De Montfort University International College and is working on several short and feature length projects.

Recorded live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.

On sale to MyPhoenix Members only until 9am, Mon 2 Dec.

Starring Tony-Nominee Jeremy Jordan and Olivier-Nominee Frances Mayli McCann, this award-winning production (including Best New Musical - What’s On Stage Awards 2023) re-tells the unbelievable true story of America's most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.

Recorded live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.

Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle.

Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle.

Conductor Antonio Pappano and director Barrie Kosky reunite to continue the mythical adventure that began with Das Rheingold in 2023.

** Please note - this is an estimated start time - our box office will be in touch if it is amended.

Image credit: Die Walküre ©2024 Sebastian Nevols

Through expert commentary, stunning visuals and Michelangelo’s own words, this film takes a fresh look at a master artist whose life and genius are celebrated in every mark he made.

The spectacular sculptures and paintings of Michelangelo seem so familiar to us, but what do we really know about this Renaissance giant? Michelangelo’s genius is evident in everything he touched. Beautiful and diverse works such as the towering statue of David, the moving Pietà in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter and his tour-de-force, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, still leave us breathless today.

Spanning his 88 years, Michelangelo - Love and Death takes a cinematic journey through the print and drawing rooms of Europe to the great chapels and museums of Florence, Rome and the Vatican to seek out a deeper understanding of this legendary figure’s tempestuous life, his relationship with his contemporaries and his incredible legacy.

Through expert commentary, stunning visuals and Michelangelo’s own words, this film takes a fresh look at a master artist whose life and genius are celebrated in every mark he made. Returning to cinemas in 2025 to celebrate this iconic artist’s 550th birthday.

Sculptor, painter, architect, poet, genius - discover why Michelangelo is without a doubt one of the greatest artists of all time.

Sensuous contemporary ballet meets the energy of musical theatre in four distinctive short works.

Sensuous contemporary ballet meets the energy of musical theatre in four distinctive short works.

Fool’s Paradise, The Two of Us, Us, An American in Paris: four works showing the remarkable choreographic range of The Royal Ballet's Artistic Associate, Christopher Wheeldon.