Empire Cinemas audiences will be able to enjoy screenings of the Royal Opera House’s La Fille Mal Gardee, the National Theatre’s Man and Superman and the English National Opera’s The Pirates of Penzance next month.
Each month the cinema chain augments its run of the latest Hollywood blockbusters with special screenings of hits from the worlds of theatre, arts and opera.
On offer in May are:
5th May – Royal Opera House: La Fille Mal Gardee (Live)
Inspired by his love for the Suffolk countryside, La Fille Mal Gardee displays some of Frederick Ashton’s most virtuosic choreography – the youthful passion of Lise and her lover, Colas, is expressed in a series of energetic pas de deux.
The ballet, which is laced with good humour sees a whirl of dancing chickens, grouchy guardians and halfwit suitors take to the stage.
La Fille Mal Gardée is one of The Royal Ballet’s most emphatic English works – with elements of national folk dance incorporated into the choreography, from a Lancashire clog dance to a maypole dance.
14th May – National Theatre Live: Man and Superman
Romantic comedy Man and Superman, which stars Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler’s List; Oedipus at the National Theatre) playing Jack Tanner, asks fundamental questions about how we live.
Jack Tanner, celebrated radical thinker and rich bachelor, seems an unlikely choice as guardian to the alluring heiress, Ann – however, despite the love of a poet, she decides to marry and tame this dazzling revolutionary.
Tanner, appalled by the thought of domesticity, is tipped off by his chauffeur and flees to Spain, where he is captured by bandits and meets The Devil. An extraordinary dream-debate, heaven versus hell, ensues…
19th May – English National Opera: The Pirates of Penzance (Live)
This highly anticipated new production from renowned film maker and director Mike Leigh, sees sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes come to English National Opera.
Showcasing brilliant humour, razor-sharp wit and a sparkling score chock-full of memorable melodies and catchy tunes, this vibrant production is expertly conducted by David Parry.
The cast includes Andrew Shore as the very model of a modern Major-General, Jonathan Lemalu as the affectionate parody of the British bobby, Robert Murray as the innocent pirate-apprentice Frederic, and Rebecca de Pont Davies as the older woman who has designs on him.
Jon Nutton, Marketing Director of Empire Cinemas, said: “Being able to offer our customers and frequent cinemagoers a range of excellent event cinema is something we are very proud of and we look forward to welcoming back our customers for May’s excellent line-up.”
For further ticketing information visit www.EmpireCinemas.co.uk or call 08714 714 714.