Some Like It Hot, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, May 26 (From York Press)

Some Like It Hot, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, May 26

11:12am Thursday 24th May 2012 in Film news and reviews

FOR the first time in 35 years, the art deco Joseph Rowntree Theatre will screen a film this weekend.

Billy Wilder’s classic 1959 comedy Some Like It Hot will be shown at 2.30pm and 7.30pm as a fund-raiser for the volunteer-run theatre in Haxby Road, York.

“We’re showing it as an experiment and if it’s successful, we’d love to run regular film screenings, in much the same way as we run regular fundraising music nights,” says Moira Tait, who is selling tickets at £10, concessions £9, on 01904 400583 or 07761 288356.

“At tomorrow evening’s screening, we’re thrilled that we’ll also be treated to a parade of vintage fashion by York’s very own Vintage Emporium. To add to the feeling of nostalgia, we’ll be selling buckets of popcorn and will even have a pick’n’mix stand.”

Moira hopes Some Like It Hot will attract new supporters to the theatre, along with the loyal audience that attends shows produced by the city’s amateur dramatic companies and music groups. “Given this year’s purchase of the building by York St John University, it would be great to welcome along some of York’s student film fans, who perhaps have never visited the theatre before,” says Moira.

The event was the idea of student volunteer Jess Waring, who is organising the screenings and publicity.

Another potential audience for films at the JoRo theatre comes to Moira’s mind. “Many people in York who used to work at Rowntree’s will remember the days when the theatre was used to screen films during lunch breaks. We’d love to welcome them and others back into the building to see how it has been preserved and renovated over the years,” she says.

“This is your local community theatre, so please do come along and support us, to ensure that we’re around for the next generation of York’s performers and film goers.”

Some Like It Hot, should you need reminding, stars Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis as two out-of-work musicians who accidentally witness the St Valentine’s Day Massacre and have to flee to Miami, disguised as girl musicians in a band featuring the singing talent of Marilyn Monroe’s Sugar.

• Hannah Lewis dresses in a vintage outfit to promote tomorrow evening’s Some Like It Hot screening at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, where she will be among the models taking part in Vintage Emporium’s fashion parade.