Welcome to our feature What's on at Watermans this week? rounding up the current cinema, theatre and gallery listings on at the local riverside arts centre.

What's on at Watermans this week?

Benediction

A complex man who survived the horrors of fighting in the First World War, Siegfried Sassoon (Jack Lowden / Peter Capaldi), a soldier decorated for his bravery on the battlefield, became a vocal critic of the government's continuation of the war when he returned from service.

Legendary still today for his poetry inspired by his experiences on the Western Front, he was adored by both members of the aristocracy as well as stars of London's literary and theatre scene. He embarked on affairs with several high-profile men as he attempted to come to terms with his homosexuality, whilst at the same time, broken by the horrors of war, his life's journey became a quest for salvation.

Downton Abbey: A New Era

From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event Downton Abbey: A New Era. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess' newly inherited villa.

The Bad Guys

Nobody has ever failed so hard at trying to be good as The Bad Guys.

After years of countless heists and being the world's most-wanted villains, The Bad Guys, a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws are finally caught. Mr. Wolf makes a deal to save the gang from prison and with the help of their mentor Professor Marmalade: The Bad Guys will go Good… or will they? Find out in this madcap adventure animation, based on the New York Times best-selling book series.

Met Opera Live 2021-22: Hamlet

When Australian composer Brett Dean's Hamlet had its world premiere at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2017, The Guardian declared, "New opera doesn't often get to sound this good … Shakespeare offers a gauntlet to composers that shouldn't always be picked up, but Dean's Hamlet rises to the challenge."

On June 4, this riveting contemporary masterpiece appears live in cinemas, with Neil Armfield, who directed the work's premiere, bringing his acclaimed staging to the Met. Many of the original cast members have followed, including tenor Allan Clayton in the title role. Nicholas Carter makes his Met debut conducting a remarkable ensemble, which also features soprano Brenda Rae as Ophelia, mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly as Gertrude, baritone Rod Gilfry as Claudius, and legendary bass John Tomlinson as the ghost of Hamlet's father.

Cold War

A joint presentation and screening by Jon Davies and Michael Brooke

A warm welcome to Watermans two resident film experts, who finally get the chance to meet in the flesh as they take an entertaining and informative look at Pawel Pawlikowski's multi award winning drama.

It has more poignancy than when released given the times we live in, but stands on its own as one of the finest period dramas of the past decade.

Pawe Pawlikowski follows the Oscar-winning Ida with this stunning and epic romance set against the backdrop of post-war Europe. Sumptuously shot in luminous black and white, it spans decades and nations to tell a love story that is as tragic as it is moving, and as transportive as it is honest.

About Jon Davies: Jon Davies has been presenting Watermans' popular French cinema club French Impressions for over 20 years, he's Tutor in Current Film and Cinema at Morley College and an Associate of the British Film Institute, appointed in 1993. In French Impressions he lends his expert insight and relaxed conversational style to French cinema from across the spectrum and invites you to take part.

About Michael Brooke: Michael is a freelance writer specialising in central/Eastern European cinema. He regularly hosts talks for the Polish Cultural Institute as well as being a contributor to the book Polish Cinema Now! (2010). Michael has been presenting Watermans's series of Polish Film Screenings and Talks since 2020 and No Ticket Required via Zoom online since 2021.

An Evening Without Kate Bush

Enter Strange Phenomena, howl with The Hounds Of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights.

Over a career spanning five decades, Kate Bush has always attracted loyal and devoted followers. An Evening Without Kate Bush explores their stories through her music, celebrating one of the most influential voices in British pop culture. 

Featuring classic hits like Running Up That Hill, Cloudbusting and The Man With The Child In His Eyes, the show also throws in some unexpected B-sides and Bootlegs alongside unique takes on songs like This Woman's Work and Babooshka.

Kate's not there, but you are.