Blog | Special screening of the 1960s classic film This Sporting Life

Special screening of the 1960s classic film This Sporting Life

As part of the special programme for our 50^th Anniversary year, we have teamed up with Theatre Royal Wakefield to organise a special screening of this iconic film.

Released in 1963, This Sporting Life is based on a novel of the same name by Wakefield-born author David Storey who also adapted the screenplay. Directed by Lindsay Anderson, and starring Richard Harris as a rugby league footballer, and Rachel Roberts, the film also features William Hartnell (the first Doctor Who!) and Arthur Lowe (Dad’s Army) among a cast of many recognisable actors from the period.

Partly filmed in and around Wakefield, it provides glimpses of the city as it was in the early 1960s.

The film was Richard Harris' first starring role, and won him a Best Actor Award at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival.

It is being shown as part of the Society’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations and the screening is timed to coincide with Wakefield Lit Fest. It will appeal particularly to rugby fans, local residents and anyone who just likes a good story. The film is in black and white and is certificate 12.

Tickets can be ordered through the Society by downloading our booking form or directly from Theatre Royal Wakefield either in person or on line. Seats will be in the stalls and tickets will not be allocated to seat numbers. The event is also being promoted by Theatre Royal Wakefield and via Wakefield Lit Fest, so demand is likely to be high. Buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

We are grateful to Wakefield Film Society and Park Circus Ltd for their help in making this screening possible.