My Sunday afternoon out in Ipswich this weekend was all as a result of catching a film on the TV.

Puzzling as it sounds it was after watching Billy Elliot, a film I have always meant to see but never before had got round to. As I had only missed 5 minutes at the start, I put my jobs on hold and watched the rest wondering why I had not made more of an effort to see it before! It was a great film, I really enjoyed it.

The following week I noticed Ipswich Film Theatre (IFT) were screening Billy Elliot the Musical live from the West End as part of National Theatre Live. Having never been to the IFT and being intrigued by the National Theatre Live screening concept it seemed like the perfect thing to do.

With my ticket pre-booked, I arrived a bit early and went into Ipswich Town Hall as it just so happened the “Access all Arts” event was on which included Flamenco & belly dancing taster sessions, musical instrument making, fire breathing performances and live music in the café. Yes the Town Hall has a café! A lovely space, perfect to enjoy a drink and snack with friends.

From the outside, the Town Hall may appear quite imposing to some. Maybe, like me, you have walked past it many times thinking you are not allowed in! Or even wondered what could be in there that I would want to see? Here’s my advice - Please do pop in for a look around next time you are in town, the staff are friendly and helpful and there are usually exhibitions/ events and a nice shop. It really is an interesting building. After making my contribution to #postitnoteplea, I had a lovely chat with the artist before making a quick exit to get round the corner to IFT in time to see Billy!

Slightly nervous at going in on my own (having never been to the cinema or a show on my own before!) there was no need to worry as I was completely put at ease by the warm welcome from the staff. What a lovely place so cosy, clean and comfortable and there was a real buzz of excitement in the air as everyone was seated.

As it started we found out we were one of 550 cinemas in the UK who were watching the show live from the theatre and it was also being beamed around the world from Europe to Asia, even Australia! The whole show was amazing, the cast fantastic and Billy Elliot (Elliott Hanna) wow what a star. The performances were so moving that in the interval I had to pop to the ladies to check the few tears I had tried to hold back had not blended with my mascara and turned me into a panda!

After a delicious ice cream and chat with the people sitting next to me about how they were enjoying the performance, the second half followed which was just as amazing. If we hadn’t had enough excitement already, as it was a special performance/screening, all 27 Billy’s (past and present) came on for the finale. Superb!

The whole experience of seeing Billy Elliot at IFT is probably in my top 10 of things I have really enjoyed doing this year. I nearly didn’t go because I knew I would be going on my own, but I am so glad I did. It has really opened a whole new door of possibilities and opportunities for me!

If like me you have only recently realised that Ipswich has its own Film Theatre (it’s behind the Town Hall by the way) take a look at the programme. It is such an asset to the town, reasonably priced and could be a perfect thing to do as the nights draw in and winter approaches.

Review by Angela Wright, Part Time Tourism and Event Management Student, University Campus Suffolk

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Natalie Chaplin