It’s something of a bumper session in November for TV at the BFI. There’s a preview of the second series of Misfits and David Suchet on the Orient Express, a celebration of 50 years of Coronation Street, a showing of the Doctor Who episode The Unicorn and the Wasp, a showing of the Poirot story Evil Under the Sun and a Halloween Psychoville special.
But best of all is a double-sesssion Missing Believed Wiped special, featuring highlights of this year’s TV recoveries, including a long lost At Last the 1948 Show and the Galton and Simpson-scripted The Frankie Howerd Show.
- 31st October: Psychoville Halloween Special + Q&A
Special Halloween episode. With possible Q&A with Richard Bacon, Reece Shearsmith and director Matt Lipsey. - 4th: Preview – Misfits + Q&A
The first episode of the new series. Followed by a Q&A with writer Howard Overman (who’s an entertaining bloke) and other members of the cast and crew. - 7th: Missing Believed Wiped
Arguably the most important find of the decade, over 100 hours of previously missing British drama has been discovered in the US Library of Congress. The first of the day’s sessions will feature a presentation about the find and clips from some of the most important titles, with snippets of music and miscellany. The second screening will feature some comedy shows recovered this year: -
- Session 1: The Lulu Show, Day by Day: Manfred Mann at the Concorde Club and other finds including a 1952 BBC documentary Bath: The Queen of the West and a Scene written by Alan Plater
- Session 2: Comedy Secombe here, 1965 series The Frankie Howerd Show written by Galton and Simpson, and the sixth edition of the second series of At Last the 1948 Show
- 9th: Coronation Street 50th anniversary + panel discussion
The first three episodes of Coronation Street, with an introduction by creator Tony Warren (tickets £5). Followed by a panel discussion chaired by Mark Lawson, involving Warren, producers and members of the cast (including Ken Barlow and Bevereley Callard). Tickets £9. Joint tickets £12.90. Reductions for members and concs. - 15th: Researcher’s Tales With Stacey Abbott
The editor of The Cult TV Book talks about her research on cult television and TV horror, including the works of Nigel Kneale. Members only but tickets are free and you can email or call Nina Bishop on 020 7957 4752. To be held at the BFI National Library on Stephen Street. - 19th: Preview: David Suchet on the Orient Express
David Suchet documentary looking at the connection between Agatha Christie and the Orient Express. Possible attendance by members of the production team. - 21st: Doctor Who: The Unicorn and the Wasp + Doctor Who Confidential + Gareth Roberts
The Agatha Christie ep of the series, followed by the making-of documentary. Gareth Roberts will be there for the screening – I cannot tell you if you’ll be allowed to talk to him. - 21st: Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Evil Under the Sun
Adaptation by Anthony Horowitz of the Agatha Christie story, starring David Suchet.
Champions’ priority booking by phone: 11.30am October 4
Members’ priority booking opens: 11.30am October 5
Public booking opens: 11.30am October 12
Members’ ballots
Members can enter the ballot for tickets by visiting www.bfi.org.uk/members. Unless otherwise stated, you can apply for up to two tickets, one free, the other at member guest price.
Prices
£7.60 (members)
£5.25 (member concs)
£9.00 (non-members)
£6.65 (non-members concs)
Under 16s £5.
All shows are £5 on Tuesdays. Conc prices are available to senior citizens, students, unwaged and disability visitors. Proof of eligibility may be required.
As always, visit the BFI web site for more details.
