Classics on screen

A classic 1995 anime film, a ballet triptych, the Royal Shakespeare Company's The Tempest and a comic classic from Pinter are some of the events being brought to the big screen by Vue Darlington in the New Year.

The upcoming line-up includes the classic 1995 anime film, Ghost in a Shell which is set to hit the big screen again in a one-off showing on January 25y. Based on the manga series of the same name, the film is set in 2029 and follows the life of Major Motoko Kusanagi (voiced by Mimi Woods). In this dystopic future society, many people have superhuman enhancements using cybernetic bodies, otherwise known as "shells". Woolf Works, a triptych for The Royal Ballet, choreographed by Wayne McGregor, has themes from three of Woolf's landmark novels - Mrs Dalloway, Orlando and The Waves - with elements of her letters, essays and diaries. Acclaimed British composer Max Richter creates a specially commissioned score incorporating electronic and live music.

There is also another chance to see the glorious revival of Pinter’s comic classic, NT Live: No Man’s Land starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart.

Highlights include: January 7, The Met Opera: Nabucco (Verdi); Jan 11, RSC Live: The Tempest; Jan 21, The Met Opera: Roméo et Juliette (Gounod); Jan 22, The Bolshoi Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty; Jan 25, Ghost in the Shell; Live: Jan 31, 7.15pm, The Royal Opera: Il Trovatore. Encore – Feb 5, 2pm.

Viv Hardwick