Dance First12A

Directed by James Marsh | USA | 2023 | 1h 40m | Starring Gabriel Byrne, Aidan Gillen, Maxine Peake, Bronagh Gallagher, Robert Aramayo

Literary genius Samuel Beckett lived a rich and varied life: Parisian bon vivant, WWII Resistance fighter, and Nobel Prize-winning playwright. But despite all the adulation that came his way, he remained acutely conscious of his own shortcomings. Award-winning actor Gabriel Byrne takes centre stage in this sweeping portrayal of Beckett’s life, a narrative told through his tumultuous relationships with renowned novelist James Joyce, his devoted wife Suzanne, and his passionate lover Barbara Bray.

Reviews

‘Byrne is rather good in the role, his rueful, craggy face a battleground for a war between Beckett’s self-regard and his self-loathing.’
Wendy Ide, The Observer

‘The film can be a treat to look at, shot mostly in glowing, milky black and white. And performances range from sturdy to superlative.’
Danny Leigh, The FT

 

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed Dance First between November 17, 2023 and November 23, 2023.

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What else is on?

Tomorrow (Friday 21st March)

15:30

Vermiglio 15
1h 59m | Italian w/ English subtitles
During the final months of WWII in a remote village in the Alps, the unexpected arrival of a deserting solider causes friction within the family of a respected local teacher. Winner of the Silver Lion at the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

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18:15

The Last Showgirl 15
1h 28m
A showgirl faces an uncertain future when the Vegas show she's been starring in for decades faces closure. Golden Globe nominee Pamela Anderson delivers a stunning comeback performance in this dazzling story of resilience, reinvention and rhinestones.

Book here

20:30

I'm Still Here 15
2h 18m | Portuguese w/ English subtitles
In 1970s Brazil, as the military dictatorship tightens its grip on the country, a mother is forced to rebuild her life after her husband is abducted by police. Powerful drama based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir and winner of Best International Feature at the Oscars.

Book here


Saturday 22nd March

13:30

History of the UPP Talk U
When the Oxford Picture Palace (now the Ultimate Picture Palace) opened in 1911 it was Oxford's first purpose-built 'electric theatre'. Join local historian Liz Woolley for this FREE talk about Oxford's cinema history. Booking essential.

Book here

15:15

The Colors Within U
1h 41m | Japanese w/ English subtitles
Vibrant coming-of-age anime from director Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice) about a trio of teenagers who who a high-school band to escape from their various hidden struggles. Winner of Best Animation Film at the Shanghai International Film Festival.

Book here

17:30

I'm Still Here 15
2h 18m | Portuguese w/ English subtitles
In 1970s Brazil, as the military dictatorship tightens its grip on the country, a mother is forced to rebuild her life after her husband is abducted by police. Powerful drama based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir and winner of Best International Feature at the Oscars.

Book here

20:30

The Last Showgirl 15
1h 28m
A showgirl faces an uncertain future when the Vegas show she's been starring in for decades faces closure. Golden Globe nominee Pamela Anderson delivers a stunning comeback performance in this dazzling story of resilience, reinvention and rhinestones.

Book here


Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road. We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers, so don't be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!