The Old Oak

Event details

Directed by Ken Loach
Starring Dave Turner, Elba Mari

The Old Oak is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice.

In an unlikely friendship TJ meets a curious young Syrian Yara (Ebla Mari) with her camera. Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes.

Director Ken Loach teams up with regular writing partner Paul Laverty to deliver a compassionate tale of community and belonging.

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Duration

Approx 113 mins

Prices

£8.90 / £8 for screenings before 5pm
(Non-Members: £9.90 / £8.90 )

£6.65 for under 16s
(Non-Members: £7.40)

£5 for Young Storyhouse Card
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Reviews

★★★★★ “A searing ode to solidarity” – Graham Fuller, The Arts Desk.

★★★★ “A film as fired up and human as any you’ll see this year” – Phil de Semlyen, Time Out.

★★★★ “Ken Loach’s fierce final call for compassion and solidarity” – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian.

“In a community weakened by hostility and opposition, this is a film about giving up as much as fighting back… If this is Loach’s last word, it is a damning one” – Pamela Hutchinson, Sight and Sound.