Cinema series celebrates sell-out success

A Newcastle cinema is celebrating a sell-out first year for a live events series that has brought leading actors, comedians and performers to North East audiences.

Tyneside Cinema’s Desert Island Flicks series has attracted more than 850 audience members across four consecutive sold-out events.

Launched in summer 2025, the format invites well-known cultural figures to share the films that have shaped their lives and careers. 

Guests so far have included James Purefoy, Stewart Lee, Bill Bailey and Christopher Eccleston.

Hosted by actor and comedian Dave Johns, star of I, Daniel Blake, the series combines film clips, personal stories and audience conversation in an intimate live setting.

Its success reflects strong regional demand for access to nationally recognised creative talent without audiences having to leave the North East.

Nic Greenan, chief executive of Tyneside Cinema, said: “Four events, four sell-outs is a fantastic result and a real testament to the appetite for this kind of event in the North East. 

“We've welcomed some incredible guests in our first year and it's been wonderful to see audiences respond so enthusiastically. 

“We're excited to continue building the series and bringing more well-known creative voices to Newcastle in the future."

Christopher Eccleston, star of Doctor Who, Our Friends in the North, Cracker and The Leftovers, added: “The great thing about cinema is that a film can stay with you for decades and still reveal something new every time you watch it. 

“That’s what made Desert Island Flicks such a fascinating conversation. 

“Tyneside Cinema is a special place, and the Newcastle audience brought warmth, humour and a genuine love of film to the evening.”

Tyneside Cinema has confirmed Brenda Blethyn as the next guest on July 27, with further names to follow.

Funds raised through the series will also support the Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit, supported by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, which helps create opportunities for young working-class talent in the North East.

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