The Pilgrim’s Progress in home town
People in Bedford will be able to see the animated film of John Bunyan’s world famous book, ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ at VUE Bedford on Saturday November 2nd.
Responding to public demand, VUE will screen ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ during the day on that Saturday and MAY add other days if there is sufficient demand shown by tickets being sold (scheduled to go live overnight, available 26th October) https://www.myvue.com/cinema/bedford/film/the-pilgrims-progress
News Flash:
Extra screenings added for John Bunyan film at Vue Bedford. Now 11.45 am showing on Sat Nov 2nd. The 2 pm showing sold out within hours.
The news has been welcomed by the Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson who had supported the screening: “John Bunyan and his book The Pilgrim’s Progress have made Bedford famous for centuries. People still travel here from the USA, Europe and even South Korea to visit his home town. That fact that this new film, made in America, can now be seen on the big screen by all is great news.”
When the film went on UK general release in 40 cinemas on October 25th Bedford was not listed among them. Disappointed in this, film distributor Stephen Briggs started a campaign with the Bunyan Round Table group and other local community groups to get a private screening, paid for by generous sponsors, at Cineworld on Monday October 21st. It was a full house despite there being less than a week to alert people.
“We were thrilled with the response and have been pushing to get the film screened so everyone can see it. Thanks to Roberto Perrone at BBC Radio 3 Counties and local newspapers, the message got through that the people of Bedford DO want to see this film,” said Stephen,
“This film will contribute to the campaign to make Bunyan to Bedford what Shakespeare is to Stratford.”
In the Daily Express Online John Rhys-Davies (Gimli, Lord of the Rings) who featured earlier in the week on BBC 3 Counties to talk about the film stated: -
“It’s very hard for the youngsters these days because they haven’t heard about Pilgrim’s Progress. But 15,000 things a day that scream for them to pay attention. There’s just so much that it’s almost impossible for a child to hear a consistent message and listen. And in a way, I hope this sends children back to reading the book again.” — John Rhys-Davies
For more information about the National Release of ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ Please visit:
www.pilgrimsprogressmovie.co.uk
For more information about John Bunyan and his historical and literary connections with Bedford go to:
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