At a time when the 2016 Academy Award nominations should have been dominating culture news headlines, a very different and much sadder story emerged instead. Stage and screen performer and director Alan Rickman, widely loved for his roles in Die Hard, Harry Potter, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Truly, Madly, Deeply and Sense and Sensibility to name but a few, passed away at age 69 of cancer. Appropriately, cinemas across London have quickly responded by programming tribute screenings to Rickman, with many linked to charities. Below are just a few, though more are sure to be added over the next few days:
Phoenix Cinema, Sun 24 Jan 12pm:
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves: Alan Rickman Tribute
2hr 23. In tribute to the late, great Alan Rickman, star of the British screen, the Phoenix are hosting a one-off screening -in 35mm no less- of this 90s classic with Rickman on outstanding form as the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham. The screening will be introduced by Dr Iain Hutchison, the founder of Saving Faces, the facial surgery research foundation for whom Alan was a patron, with 50% of all proceeds being given to the charity.
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Picturehouse Central Matinee screenings of A Little Chaos, 23 and 24 Jan.
Picturehouse have programmed a double screening of the last film Rickman directed, a period piece set in Paris, 1682. Rickman stars as Louis XIV, who desires some grand gardens to complement his new palace at Versailles, and is intrigued by the workings of architect Sabine De Barra (Kate Winslet).
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These exciting, fun films for all the family showcase the much-loved actor’s inimitable talent.