Please note that this is a private screening for members of Woodbridge Film Society and not open to the public. If you wish to join the Film Society then please visit their page here

Last Swim follows Ziba (Deba Hekmat) as she holds her breath on A-level results day. Desperate to study astrophysics at university, she’s equally determined to make the first day of her adult life a day to remember. But when her tight-knit group of friends are joined in a cross-London all-day party by newcomer Malcolm (Denzel Baidoo), she must reckon with a darker truth that none of her friends have been brought into.

Last Swim’s plot has plenty of high-stakes elements, but it never strays into melodrama, aided by an impressive young cast – many of them new faces – who bring improvisational and lived-in quality to the performances. At the centre of this group is the wonderful Deba Hekmat, in a performance that makes her one to watch. As in her terrific supporting role as tearaway best friend in Luna Carmoon’s Hoard, Hekmat conveys a world of grand and petty frustrations in a single look. Giving specificity to Ziba’s Iranian-British roots (as well as crafting a genuine friendship group to surround her), first-time director Sasha Nathwani captures a day that will live on in nostalgia; at once quotidian and human-sized, but tinged with emotions that scream with galactic significance for those on the edge of adulthood.

At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont. The two fall madly in love, and though hesitant to leave behind her life of luxury and freedom, Violetta follows her heart. But the young couple’s happiness is short-lived, as the harsh realities of life soon come knocking.

As intimate as it is sumptuous, La traviata features some of opera’s most famous melodies, and is a star vehicle for its leading soprano role sung by Ermonela Jaho. In director Richard Eyre’s world of seductive grandeur, the tender and devastating beauty at the centre of Verdi’s opera shines bright.

Cast:  

Violetta Valéry ERMONELA JAHO

Alfredo Germont GIOVANNI SALA

Giorgio Germont ALEKSEI ISAEV

Annina VEENA AKAMA-MAKIA

Doctor Grenvil BARNABY REA

Flora Bervoix ELLEN PEARSON

Baron Douphol SAM HIRD

Gastone de Letorières GIORGI GULIASHVILI

Marquis d’Obigny OSSIAN HUSKINSON

Creatives:

Music GIUSEPPE VERDI

Conductor ANTONELLO MANACORDA

Director RICHARD EYRE

Designer BOB CROWLEY

Lighting Designer JEAN KALMAN

Director of Movement JANE GIBSON

“There was one small problem - neither of us wanted to be Paul Simon. To make it work one of us was going to have to get a hair cut. And that simply wasn’t going to happen. The novel solution…we decided to call ourselves The Garfunkels.”

Not many 20-year-old lads think of starting a Simon & Garfunkel tribute act — but Suffolk-based musicians Tom Mumford and Angelo Littler did exactly that.

The Garfunkels’ set is a celebration of Simon & Garfunkel’s music and story. With rich harmonies and engaging storytelling you can expect to hear the most iconic songs over the years - from their first album Wednesday Morning 3AM through to the  bestselling, award winning Bridge Over Troubled Water.  

This January, The Garfunkels are very excited to bring their show to The Riverside stage in their hometown of Woodbridge.

Doors Open: 7pm

On Stage: 7:30pm

Interval: 8:15pm

On Stage: 8:30pm

Ends: 9:15pm

Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.

Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one.

National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.