'This is Spinal Tap' - Cult Classics

Beecroft Cinema Club presents 'Cult Classics' series, screening the iconic films that fans are frenzied for on the last Thursday of each month on the big screen at the Beecroft Art Gallery.

In May, we're turning the amp 'up to eleven' for a screening of pioneering comedy 'This is Spinal Tap' (1984), directed by the late Rob Reiner, starring Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer as members of a parody heavy metal band. A true cult classic, the film was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2002.

'This is Spinal Tap' follows the fictional rock band 'Spinal Tap' as they tour the U.S. promoting their new album, 'Smell the Glove'. The iconic trio at the heart of the group consists of David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derick Smalls, joined by keyboardist Mick Shrimpton and a series of drummers who have faced bizarre, often fatal accidents over the years—ranging from spontaneous human combustion to choking on their own vomit. The film expertly explores the absurdities of the music industry, showcasing the aging band's hilarious struggles with equipment malfunctions, disastrous concert attendance, and interpersonal conflicts. Through interviews and performance footage, the mockumentary satirizes the excesses and egos often associated with rock and roll stardom, offering a comedic look at the life of a touring band.

Doors open and refreshments will be available from 6pm and the film will start promptly at 6:30pm (there are no adverts). There is no allocated seating.

The film's run time is 1hr 22 minutes.

The film is rated '15' and this event is 15+ only.

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Host or Publisher Southend Museums