Withnail and I (15)

In partnership with The Assembly House Trust, we will be reviving one of Norwich’s most beloved and long-lost cinemas for three special screenings, held in the ballroom of The Assembly House.

Director: Bruce Robinson / Starring: Richard E. Grant, Richard Griffiths, Paul McGann / 1987 / 108mins

Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann star in Bruce Robinson's cult comedy. In 1969, two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous.

This comedy of bad manners sees the two struggling twenty-something actors – flamboyant, melancholic narcissist Withnail (Grant) and his unnamed, unassuming friend (McGann) – pursue booze, recreation, work and the meaning of life in Camden Town and the Lake District. Based on Robinson’s own experiences, this labour of love achieved cult status on the strength of its endlessly quotable dialogue and brilliantly eccentric performances (notably Richard Griffiths’ Uncle Monty and Ralph Brown’s Danny the dealer). The beautifully sodden photography and a cannily evocative pop soundtrack help fix the mood. The film is a testament to the potency and sadness of friendship and the compromises required for the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Doors and bar open at 7.30pm

Film starts at 8.30pm

Seating will be unreserved

Audience members are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a short on-screen display of images from the Noverre’s photo archive and local archive films.

For more than 40 years, the Noverre served as a popular city cinema which screened a diverse range of films including non-commercial and arthouse releases.

Located in a former ballroom at The Assembly House in Norwich, the cinema took its name from the Noverre family who taught classical dance there during the 18th Century.

Prior to the Noverre’s opening, The Assembly House underwent extensive restoration work between 1948 and 1950 for a cost of £70,000. When it re-opened in November 1950 the building was complete with music rooms, a banquet room and exhibition room, in addition to the arts cinema.

A raked floor was installed which accommodated 272 seats. The cinema was well equipped with two 35mm projectors, two 16mm projectors and modern sound installation.

The Noverre is fondly remembered for its Saturday morning kids’ club, seating with plenty of leg room, showing no adverts before films and for not selling ice creams or popcorn. The most popular film it screened was Cabaret, which was shown on 11 different occasions. The Noverre closed its doors on 23 December 1992.

The Assembly House Trust

The Assembly House Trust is a registered charity established in 1945. The Trust owns The Assembly House, facilitates an arts programme, supports community events and manages the upkeep of the building. Find out more at assemblyhousetrust.org.uk

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