"No matter how men may treat you, they can never own your soul" - James Hammett

Join us on a trip to Curzon Cinema and Arts in Clevedon, one of the oldest running cinemas in the UK, for a screening of Bill Douglas' epic story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, six Dorset labourers deported to Australia in the 1830s for forming a trade union.

Unfolding in the pastoral haze of Dorset and blinding light of Australia, this beautiful film is rich with carefully layered visual illusions and nuances. The story moves between each of them in separate episodes, providing a glimpse into their new lives as convicts before their eventual pardon. With moving, profound performances from a magnificent cast – including Alex Norton, Imelda Staunton, Robin Soans, Philip Davis, Vanessa Redgrave, Keith Allen and Barbara Windsor, Comrades is a compelling account of struggle and injustice.

This screening will take place in Clevedon's Curzon Cinema & Arts, a short trip from Bristol. Originally opened in 1912, rebuilt in the 1920s and still in operation as a cinema today, Curzon Cinema & Arts has a rich history and grand tradition of cinema-going as an event.

The afternoon includes a guided tour of the cinema building with a behind the scenes look at the original projection booth, a demonstration of the original Christie cinema organ followed by a screening of Comrades. The trip offers a unique opportunity to experience movie-going at one of Britain’s oldest and grandest cinemas. Travel to and from Clevedon is included in the ticket price, spaces limited (20 places maximum). The tour element at Curzon will involve some steps so unfortunately this part of the event is not wheelchair accessible. There will be a one-hour break for lunch (refreshments are not included).

Schedule:

10:15 - Coach to Clevedon (meet at 10:10 in Watershed's top foyer)
11:00 - Christie organ demonstration and guided tour
12:00 - Free time - you are welcome to bring a packed lunch or visit a local cafe
13:00 - Screening of Comrades (with introduction and intermission)
16:45 - Coach back to Bristol
17:30 - Arrival back in Bristol

Other events taking place at Clevedon Curzon Cinema & Arts as part of Cinema Rediscovered include a Magic Lantern Slide Workshop (Sat 28 July, 10.30) and a 35mm screening of Get Carter (Thu 16 Aug, 19:30)

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