East is East, Trafalgar Studios

I have never seen the film East is East, so I couldn’t compare this stage version to the original motion picture like everyone else was on press night. Currently on stage at the boutique theatre Trafalgar Studios, this revival of Ayub Khan-Din’s play offers an insight into the multicultural issues which arise in a joint faith marriage and consequently affect the mixed race Pakistani-English children.

The audience quickly get to know George and Ella Khan and six of their seven headstrong children. Brought up in 1970s Salford with a strict Pakistani father, the kids witness a cultural clash between their surroundings and their heritage, eager to please their tyrannical dad whilst still making their own life decisions. Pakistan’s troubles at the time are often mentioned and are of paramount importance to George’s running of the family. Back in his hometown his first wife receives regular gifts of material from him, and we hear about the political upheaval from TV and radio updates.

The cast work together immaculately to form the volatile Khan family. Jane Horrocks is delicate but daring as the mother stuck between her aggressive husband and demanding children, and I particularly warmed to Sally Bankes as Auntie Annie, Ella’s much needed friend. Also memorably impressive is Michael Karim who plays Sajit the youngest and most disturbed child hidden under his Parka hood.

The dusty brick stage remains in place throughout the play despite the changes in location. It became a little confusing when they attempted to transform the homely space into a chip shop. It is thoughtfully directed by rising star, Sam Yates who manages to create an evocative home environment, and finds excitement in the mundane.

East is East is a beautifully acted play which remains harshly relevant today. An intelligent comedy which leaves one questioning the society we live in.

Continues until 3 January 2015, book tickets here.

Rooftop Film Club, London

Balmy nights in London are precious, and locals want to spend every moment soaking up the summery atmosphere. Rooftop Film Club is the perfect way to make the most of a warm evening, enjoying a classic film surrounded by an awesome view over the city.

Keen to explore Peckham, I visited the Bussey Building, the location for a screening of the 1980s feel-good movie, Breakfast Club. After fuelling up at authentic Thai eatery The Begging Bowl and quenching our thirst at Frank’s multi-storey car park bar, we climbed the exhausting concrete staircase to join the other film fanatics up on the roof.

Presented by British Airways, this film club offers first class service, with luxurious and stylish features. Navy blue deck chairs are lined up on a faux green grass floor, a small ticket office distributes boarding pass tickets and thick soft fleece blankets. The brick walls are painted with eclectic, brightly coloured illustrations, and at the entrance a small bar serves food and drinks.

It felt quite extraordinary, sitting under the stars, snuggled up with a cosy blanket, watching an iconic film. The big screen was easily visible, even without my glasses, and the high quality wireless headphones ensure you have a totally immersive experience. Screenings start at sunset (around 9pm) though guests are welcome to arrive and enjoy the views from 6pm.

Other venues include The Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch, The Roof Gardens in Kensington and the newest addition, the trendy Roof East in Stratford. Each provides an alternative view of London’s sultry skyline, particularly pretty in the sunset glow.

Tickets are priced at £13 each, a similar cost to an average cinema, but double the fun. Book here.

PREVIEW: Backyard Cinema, Camden

BACKYARD CINEMA

RETURNS TO CAMDEN LOCK THIS SUMMER

FOR ITS BIGGEST RUN OF EVENTS YET 

**20 IMMERSIVE SHOWS OVER 8 WEEKS ON THE ICONIC COBBLES OF CAMDEN LOCK**

VARIOUS DATES – 16TH JULY – 5TH SEPTEMBER

**NOT YOUR AVERAGE OUTDOOR MOVIES**

FEATURING:

Popcorn, blankets, artisan burgers, craft beer & pop BBQ,

cupcakes, deckchairs, short films, special surprises and live DJ’s  

SCREENINGS INCLUDE:

Gravity // Dallas Buyers Club // Silver Linings Playbook // The Lego Movie

  Cruel Intentions (15 year Anniversary) // From Dusk til Dawn

 Ghostbusters (30 years Anniversary) // Bridesmaids // SuperBad

The Matrix (15 year Anniversary) // Pulp Fiction (20 Year Anniversary)

The Goonies // Back to the Future // Blues Brothers – Sing & Dance-a-Long

Skyfall //Grease – Sing & Dance-a-long // This is Spinal Tap

The Amazing Spiderman 2 // Human Traffic

Ticket Options:

Standard – £15

 Movie & x2 Drinks – £20

Movies, x2 Drinks & Honest Burger – £29

FIND & FOLLOW:

http://www.backyardcinema.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/backyardcinemas?ref=br_tf

https://twitter.com/BackyardCinemas

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An Interactive, atmospheric, outdoor cinema to conquer all others. 20 shows, over 8 weeks on the iconic cobbles of Camden Lock Market. 200 giant beanbag loungers and deck chairs to relax in while you watch a blockbuster film selection on huge 14ft screen with booming speakers.

Not just the films: With Brewdog as the official drink sponsors you know its set to be a party. 1950’s Usherettes serving ‘beer for punks’ right to your seat as well as frozen cocktails, summer special spirits, ice cold wine and soft drinks. Interaction encouraged with live twitter competitions, sing and dance-a-longs & Live DJ’s to get the evening going.

Peckish?: Honest Burgers as official food partners have created a dedicated Backyard Burger cooked and served with their world class chips from the huge popup BBQ within the cinema (veggie options available).

Extras: With popcorn, blankets, cupcakes, short films, special surprises and live DJ’s before the feature this is not your average outdoor cinema, this is Backyard Cinema. More than just the movies.

Dominic Davies, Founder and Creator says: “This year we wanted to go even bigger – more beanbags, bigger screen, more films and louder speakers. Brewdog and Honest Burgers are on side to finish the job and this year we really want crowd interaction. This is Backyard Cinema not the opera, lots of drinks, lots of food, a great movie in an iconic setting. One of the joys of going to the movies was that it was trashy and we should never lose that. This is the ultimate pop-up Cinema.”

FILM SCREENINGS & DATES – Bar & Food from 7pm – Movie 9pm

15th July – PRESS NIGHT – Film screening tbc

16th July – Gravity

17th July – Dallas Buyers Club

23rd July – Silver Linings Playbook

24th july – The Lego Movie

30th July – Cruel Intentions (15 year Anniversary)  

31st July – From Dusk til Dawn

6th August – Ghostbusters (30 years Anniversary)

7th August – Bridesmaids

13th August – SuperBad

14th August – The Matrix (15 year Anniversary)

15th August – Pulp Fiction (20 Year Anniversary)

20th August – The Goonies

21st August – Back to the Future

22nd August – Blues Brothers – Sing & Dance-a-Long

27th August – Skyfall

29th August – Grease – Sing & Dance-a-long

3rd September – This is Spinal Tap

4th September – The Amazing Spiderman 2

5th September – Human Traffic

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MORE INFORMATION AND BOOK TICKETS HERE: www.backyardcinema.co.uk