THE railway crossing is going to be closed at night so we have decided to try to finish the films in time for patrons and staff to get across the river before the level crossing closes. The closure takes place from Saturday to Monday.

There are a few new stage events to talk about this week. As I said last week, we have announced Arthur Miller’s The Crucible from the Old Vic. This production stars Richard Armitage (TV’s Spooks and film work including The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and Captain America: The First Avenger), Ann Firbank (known for Anna and The King) and Harry Atwell (cinema – Maleficent).

Played out in the tight-knit community of Salem, Massachusetts, personal grievances are growing, fuelling lust and superstition, which builds hysteria with terrifying false accusations resulting in the infamous witch trials from Arthur Miller’s classic drama. The Old Vic’s The Crucible is on Thursday, December 4 and Sunday, December 7.

We watched The Maze Runner (12A) and entered with a degree of trepidation as it was a young person’s film, as far as I was concerned.

I have to say it was brilliant – edge of the seat at times and real ducking to avoid the flying something or other. All actors are well cast in their believable characters. The Maze Runner is engaging and gripping – well worth watching.

 

Films this week

It is, of course, half-term next week so we have a mixture of films.

The Judge (15) comes for a run where Robert Downey Jr is a lawyer and his father, played by Robert Duvall, is a judge. Robert Downey Jr’s character ends up having to represent his estranged father when he is suspected of murder.

Love, Rosie (15) is about two friends who grow up together and so couldn’t possibly be right for each other. In the meantime they are making some terrible choices. Love, Rosie stars Lily Collins, Sam Claflin and Christian Cooke.

Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (PG) and The Book Of Life (U), in which Manolo, a young man, who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.

Looking further ahead Serena (15) is set in the rugged mountains of 1929 North Carolina, starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. “Serena” follows a man named George Pemberton and his new bride, Serena, as they create a timber empire.

Serena not only takes to the woods, but she also pushes her husband to commit more and more ruthless acts. When she learns she cannot bear a child, Serena sets out to murder the son her husband fathered illegitimately.

 

Live stage productions

ROH Live Opera: I due Foscari (12A) is on Monday. I due Foscari, an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, based on the historical play, The Two Foscari I Due Foscari, written by Lord Byron set in 15th century Venice. In this play, a despairing father is torn between love for his family and duty to a corrupt city in Verdi’s searing early tragedy.

NT: Frankenstein (15) starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the Creature plays on Thursday, October 30, but has a few seats available. Johnny Lee Miller plays Frankenstein. This is an encore, as it was on last year, and was extremely popular so they have brought it back again.

ROH Live Opera: L’elisir d’amore (12A) (The Elixir of Love) is a comic opera in two acts by the Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti. The libretto written by Felice Romani. This production is Laurent Pelly’s acclaimed production of Donizetti’s opera, which radiates tenderness, humour and some southern sunshine.

As the opera opens in Italy, in 1836, peasants are resting from work, and Nemorino is a young villager watching the beautiful farm owner Adina read a book. He loves her and is wondering if she is now beyond his reach. Asked by the peasants what her book is about, Adina she explains the story of how Tristan won the heart of Isolde by drinking a magic love potion.

Sergeant Belcore arrives with his men, promptly introduces himself to Adina and asks her to marry him. Adina declares that she is in no hurry to make up her mind but promises to think over the offer. From here the story develops.