Q&A with Mike Leigh & Imelda Staunton, The Tricycle

Film events in London include this, the next in The Tricycle Cinema's British Screen Classics season, a Q&A and screening of Mike Leigh's Vera Drake movie, which tells the story of a brave working class woman dedicated to helping her family alongside a group of unfortunate girls. If you haven't already seen it (or indeed, if you have) we recommend adding it to your London film and cinema guide: Vera Drake is one of the essential films to see in London in March. 
These two legends of British film will be reflecting on the making of the film, and their subsequent impressive careers in the industry, following a screening of the Oscar-nominated film at the Tricycle's on-site cinema.  
Set in 1950s England, the film (starring Staunton alongside another great British talent Jim Broadbent) tells the story of Vera Drake – a role for which Staunton was herself nominated for an Oscar – a woman who selflessly devotes herself to caring for her sick neighbour and ailing family, all the while secretly helping young women to induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies: still very much illegal practice in England at the time. As Vera's activity is discovered by the authorities, her life begins to unravel and Leigh's film takes a turn for the tragic. 
Director Mike Leigh has been in the spotlight recently for the success of Mr Turner, which was released at the end of last year, alongside a stellar career in the film industry, winning best director with such notable works as black comedy Naked in 1993, or Secrets & Lies, which was awarded a BAFTA as well as the Palme D'Or in 1996. His stage works are also numerous, and include much-loved comedy Abigail's Party (coincidentally enjoying a revival in immersive '70s supperclub by The Art of Dining later this month).  
Imelda Staunton has had a long and successful acting career, and has recently cemented her position as first lady of musical theatre with a five star performance of Sondheim's Gypsy in Chichester earlier this year: the show will be transferring to the Savoy theatre in March of this year, a rare treat for musical fans and a chance to catch Staunton in action (click here to read more).
Vera Drake was awarded the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival upon its release in 2004, as well as gaining three Oscar nominations, and three BAFTA wins.
This event, at the Tricycle Theatre on Sunday 8th March, will be a wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with two of British cinema's greats.