In Love with Alma Cogan

Director: Tony Britten

Year: 2013

This drama documentary for cinema explores the pacifism that was such a powerful influence on composer Benjamin Britten’s life and work. <br /> The story begins in 1929 at Gresham’s School in Norfolk, England. Our young actors take us into a world where social and political issues are actively addressed and young Ben Britten’s hatred of all things militaristic is formed. <br /> As we explore the music that illustrated that hatred throughout his life, illustrated by new performances and unique observations from experts and friends, we frequently return to dramatic interludes at Gresham’s, which cement the narrative – spoken by legendary actor John Hurt. <br /> The transcendent music of the War Requiem accompanies the climax of the film, before we return to Gresham’s School 2012.

Director: Tony Britten

Year: 2011

Norman, the theatre manager has worked at the Pavilion Theatre at the end of the pier for forty years and is frustrated by the council’s plan to hand the place over to commercial management. They bring in Eddie Richards to ‘help’ with the winter programming. Eddie and Norman were teenage friends, but Norman doesn’t trust him. Sandra, Norman’s loyal assistant becomes increasingly concerned about Norman. <br /> <br /> Eddie comes up with comically bizarre programming plans, which Norman vetoes. But Eddie is convinced that an Alma Cogan tribute artist will be a hit with older audiences. Norman is appalled – he once had an embarrassingly unconsummated one night stand with Alma and it has blighted his life ever since. <br /> <br /> He also thinks that Eddie had an affair with Alma, but when Sandra assures him this didn’t happen, he supports his plan. During the hugely successful concert the lifeboat is called out and Norman volunteers. Sandra realises what her anxiety about this escapade indicates, so when Norman returns safely she is thrilled when he announces that he will retire and let Eddie run the theatre. She resigns as well to be a singer on a cruise liner – and Norman goes with her.

Director: Tony Britten

Year: 2000

Writer - Director Tony Britten's version of Puccini's 'La Boheme' is a ground breaking new take on an opera classic. Utilising Actor/Singers and a funny but hard hitting script, the film seeks to achieve the sort of accessibility that MUSIC THEATRE LONDON is renown for in the theatre.<br /> <br /> Four young men, an artist, a playwright, a musician and a live in the 'Withnail' - like squalor of booze, dope and bad behaviour. Into this world enters the mysterious Mimi. She and the playwright, Rudolfo, fall in love and everything has to change. Rudolfo's immaturity is reflected in obsessive jealousy, and failure to notice Mimi's drug problem. The lovers part, and only when Mimi comes back to the squat to die, does Rudolfo comprehend the depths of his love, and the boys realise that growing up is violent and irrevocable.<br /> <br /> Shot on location in South East London, the combination of humour, pathos and the urban reality makes this a million miles away from the conventional opera film.