A night, and day, at the movies!
Over the weekend I headed across to the Showroom cinema in Heart of Sheffield, a cinema rich in tradition and very proudly independent. As you approach the building you’re greeted with majestic art deco-esk stying and a sense of independence and step away from the norm. But why was I here? and what has this got to do with brass music… for for me pretty much everything.
I came across this event during my usual trawling through instagram looking for concerts to book and found advert by Unite the Union Band for a matinee screening of the iconic Brassed Off film followed by a live performance by the band with some of the music used in the film. Not only that, there was also an evening screening which advertised a Q and A session with some of the cast and crew from the film…. in true Andrew indecisive style I proceeded to book both.
The film itself needs little introduction (spoiler alert!)… a great story of camaraderie between members of the Grimley Colliery Band through the closure of their pit and how the band still prevailed. Although the film has some very tough themes at times, it’s a real feel good film and for myself, and many a like, a great film for the brass band enthuasist.
Following the film the fantastic Unite the Union Band began their concert led by the wonderful Jonathan Beatty, who was actually in the film as one of the trombonists. The programme was a very nicely performed set of pieces with many taken from the film, including a personal favourite ‘Death or Glory’ as used during the film’s opening scene. The band were just excellent and this was a great performance and really brought a sense of joy to all those in the auditorium.
Following a short break, I went back to the cinema for the second screening, eagerly awaiting the Q and A session following the film. Yet again, 1 hour and 48 minutes of pure joy on the big screen, this truly is a film I will never get bored of and it just has a timeless charm unlike many modern films.
The Q and A session was conducted by the CEO of Mark Herbert (CEO of Warp Films and Assistant Location Manager on Brassed Off) and the guests in attendance were Mark Herman (Director), Steve Abbott (Producer), Stephen Tompkinson (Actor, 'Phil') and Melanie Hill (Actor, 'Sandra'). The Q and A was just brilliant full of anecdotes about the making of the film and the challenges it faced during production. It’s clear there was a sense of pride about the film and its lasting effect on the many who still love it nearly 30 years since its initial release. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to briefly speak to Mark, Stephen, Melanie and Steve following the Q and A and I’m not ashamed to admit I was a bit star struck but they were honestly lovely people to talk to.
If you’ve not come across the Showroom Cinema before I thoroughly recommend it and I will be back for sure!
Check it out here: .showroomworkstation.org.uk
For more information on Unite the Union Band, check it out here: unitetheunionbrassband.org.uk
