My first experience of the cinema was at The Tudor, in West Kirby.
This picturehouse opened in 1933, and was just over the bridge from my mum’s shop where I lived. Then, when I was old enough to go on my own I discovered the Winter Gardens in Hoylake and the Saturday morning Tanner rush (sixpence).
There was always a queue to get in, and I remember there were three double seats for courting couples. On the screen we had cartoons, a newsreel (that everyone talked through as it was boring), a cowboy film and a main feature.
One film that stayed with me was a sort of horror movie which turned out to be a man with a spider’s face. I had many sleepless nights over that, and to this day, a fear of watching horror movies.
But what I did learn was a passion – for films. I could not imagine my life without a good movie.
There is so much I could write about that. Last Saturday I was privileged to be invited to the Liverpool premiere of a new movie.
I was sitting in the plush Everyman Cinema. It’s now a wonderful experience, cinemas have come a long way.
Comfortable armchairs, drinks and food served before the film. After a drinks reception, I was sitting with an invited audience of friends, footballers, actors, the who’s who.
We were all invited by John Bishop who is celebrating 25 years of stand up. He has had an amazing career, and still packs arenas.
We were there for his movie – called ‘Is this thing on?’ It is a great title – and every comic has said that at one point, when they are looking at a microphone.
It’s another milestone in John’s extraordinary life story. The film is based on him, and his beautiful wife Melanie.
Will Arnett plays John. It’s a heartwarming humorous biopic that delves into John’s journey, the world of comedy in the early days, and the dynamic between him and Melanie, who is a very strong woman.
The movie explores their marriage, and comedy. Will Arnett’s authentic stand up sequences are beautifully portrayed and the silences on stage are deafening.
This new movie is being well-received, but let’s not forget it is a Bradley Cooper film. His third as a director.
The first two being A Star is Born and Maestro. This is his first real life inspiration.
The movie is set in America, but the story is John’s. It delves into his split from his wife, played passionately by Laura Dern.
In the film they try to find themselves amidst their own issues. I am delighted to say that in real life they are back together, and stronger than ever.
Bradley has a cameo in his movie, posing as an insufferable actor friend. The movie came about after a meeting on a barge in Amsterdam, and has been praised by the critics.
It is a genuine look at a midlife crisis, with some powerful performances. Behind every comic there is a complicated life and turmoil and John is no exception.
I loved it very much. The film is due for release on January 30.
