Sam Love on Holst film

Between 2016 and 2019, I worked as the cinema programmer - among many other positions - at The Flavel Arts Centre in beautiful Dartmouth, Devon. During this time, I made a great number of professional and personal connections across the arts industry, many of whom I am still in touch with today. One of these individuals is Tony Palmer, probably the most fascinating person I have ever had the pleasure to get to know, and am honoured to call a friend. Where do you begin with Tony Palmer? He has won multiple BAFTAs and Emmy Awards, 12 Gold Medals from the New York Film Festival, the Prix Italia twice, is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and an honorary citizen of both New Orleans and Athens! He has directed many films, as well as theatre and opera, and has written several books. Not a bad body of work! 

 

It is a great honour to welcome him to St Mary Redcliffe Church in September for a rare opportunity to see his celebrated Gustav Holst documentary 'In the Bleak Midwinter' on the big screen, with a live introduction to the screening from Tony himself. As we celebrate Holst's 150th birthday this September, there really is no better time to remind ourselves why he is (rightly) considered one of the finest composers in music. And you'll almost certainly come away with a new favourite filmmaker to explore, too! 

 

You can book tickets for this exciting event on September 7th 2024 here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/film-showing-holst-in-the-bleak-midwinter-tickets-851434863597


More blog posts
By rebecca.horry March 13, 2026
As the new season begins, it feels full of potential as new life appears around us and the days grow longer. Spring brings a natural sense of renewal, and it feels like a particularly special time in the life of our church. I’m delighted that our building will be hosting several events that explore the story and meaning of Easter in different ways. One highlight will be hosting Riding Lights Theatre Company presenting Night Falls, a new Passion play by Paul Birch, offering a powerful retelling of the Easter story. We hope it will be meaningful for both members of our congregation and visitors who join us. We are also looking forward to a screening from the Exhibition on Screen series exploring Easter in Art, reflecting on how artists across the centuries have interpreted the Passion and Resurrection. Our church shop continues to welcome visitors and regulars alike. Alongside cards, books, and gifts, I’m pleased to share that we have recently brought a new book supplier on board, helping us widen our range of titles for both children and adults exploring faith and the heritage of the church. I’ve also been delighted to help recruit several new volunteers to help run church tours, and we hope this will allow us to expand our tour offer and share the story of the church with even more visitors. If you see them in the church please help welcome them to the team. Behind the scenes, we continue working to welcome concerts and other events into the church. Our beautiful space lends itself wonderfully to music, and these events not only bring people together but also help support the care and future of the building. Over the coming months, we look forward to hosting a range of concerts and cultural events, welcoming audiences from across the local area and beyond. If you know of choirs, ensembles, or promoters looking for a distinctive venue, please do point them in our direction. Thank you to everyone who supports these activities by volunteering, attending events, shopping in the shop, or spreading the word. Recca Horry , Commercial Manager 13.03.2026
By matthew.buckmaster March 8, 2026
Preached by the Revd Simon Goodman
By matthew.buckmaster March 2, 2026
Preached by Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
By matthew.buckmaster March 2, 2026
Preached by the Revd Dr Brutus Green
By matthew.buckmaster March 2, 2026
Preached by the Revd Simon Goodman
By matthew.buckmaster March 2, 2026
Preached by the Canon Dr Stephen Spencer