Promotional feature: Film audiences at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury could be in with an extra treat over the next couple of weeks as educational speakers are invited to the theatre.

Great British Life: WatermarkWatermark (Image: Archant)

Certain films that can be instructively pulled apart and questioned have been handpicked for the occasion, giving audiences a chance to interact with local academics, a community group and even a director.

To complement this year’s pantomime Beauty And The Beast, The Roses have a special presentation of a newly restored version of Cocteau’s dreamlike adaptation of the classic fairy tale La Belle Et La Bete (Sunday December 7). Hands through walls, candle lit shadow play, wonderful costumes, shimmering lighting and surrealist settings make for a magical cinematic experience that is still as beguiling now as it was in 1946. This is followed by a Q&A with Dr Debby Thacker from the University of Gloucestershire. Dr Thacker will return on Friday December 19 for a Q&A following It’s A Wonderful Life, Frank Capra’s seasonal story of an angel who saves a suicidal man by showing him what life would be like if he never existed.

A discussion with ‘Tewkesbury Friends of the Earth’ will succeed Watermark (Monday December 8), in which acclaimed photographer and artist Edward Burtynsky takes us on a journey to document our dependence on water. Reminiscent of Baraka and Samsara, the breathtaking cinematography does much of the talking as ultra high definition video and time lapse photography captures river deltas, colossal irrigation systems, floating shantytowns, three million worshippers diving into the Ganges and more.

Northern Soul (Saturday December 20) is set in 1974, the year The Roses was built. Capturing the hedonistic joy of the scene that went on to forge modern club culture, Elaine Constantine’s film follows two friends whose lives are changed forever when they discover black American soul music. The film will be followed by a Q&A with director Elaine Constantine herself.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01684 295074 or online at www.rosestheatre.org