AN ORCHESTRA is taking cinema back to the golden age with a one-off performance in Thirsk this weekend.

Seventeen members of Thirsk Sinfonia will give a live accompaniment to the 1929 Hitchcock classic ‘Blackmail’ at The Ritz Cinema in Thirsk on Saturday afternoon.

Deby Whitfield, of Thirsk Sinfonia, said the event is completely unique in the cinema’s 100-year history as it was very unusual for provincial theatres to house an orchestra.

The musicians will be conducted by George Morton following a newly-written music score from composer Neil Brand.

Ms Whitfield said the event is likely to be a one-off and promises to be a special experience for cinema-goers.

“As far as we are aware this is something that doesn’t happen very often,” she said.

“It’s be done in big cities like London and Manchester, but I think this is a first for Yorkshire.”

The screening starts at 2.30pm and tickets are £15 in advance from White Rose Books, Thirsk Tourist Centre and from www.thirsksinfonia.co.uk