The Thursday Murder Club on the Big Screen

We launched our Film Club with a bang at the end of August, filling The Picture House in Uckfield for a private screening of The Thursday Murder Club. Tickets went like hot cakes and nearly forty members came along to enjoy the experience together.

The film, based on the bestselling book by our ‘King of Clubs’ Mr Richard Osman, stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie and Ben Kingsley. It tells the story of older friends who solve mysteries together from the comfort of their retirement village, with just the right mix of humour, mischief and heart.

Richard has been part of Good Company’s story from the very beginning. He gave us our name, helped shape our tone, and has always championed the idea that community, wit and friendship matter at every age. To sit together and watch The Thursday Murder Club on the big screen felt like a full-circle moment.

For many of our members this was the first time in years they had been to the cinema. As one person summed it up:

“What a treat to go to the cinema … it has not been possible for years. And I loved the film, once I had got used to the experience of a cinema screen. The actors were amazing, and the way the book was made into a film was perfect … it just kept the balance of brilliance and nonsense that the book has!”

We were also delighted when Richard shared a photo of our screening on Instagram. Over 18,000 people have liked his post, which means more people than ever are now hearing about Good Company. We are so grateful to him for shining a light on our work and opening it up to many more people. 

The Picture House is a much-loved local cinema, and our members have already asked if Film Club can become a regular thing. We hope to be back soon, perhaps with Downton Abbey next on the list. In the meantime, if you are looking for other friendly and dementia-welcoming film experiences, we recommend the Pine Grove Pictures Golden Oldies screenings in Crowborough, which take place on Tuesday afternoons and are always worth a visit.

We are incredibly grateful to Uckfield Picture House for helping us to make this special occasion happen and look forward to more events in the future.

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Other local cinemas

Depot Cinema, Lewes Everybody Friendly Screenings: Specially curated films in a relaxed atmosphere with lower lights, quieter sound, and staff on hand.Screenings are subtitled, you can move around freely, tickets are £5 and carers go free. Tea and biscuits are served. For schedule or info contact lewesdepot.org or call 01273 525354.

Towner Cinema, Eastbourne Dementia Friendly Screenings: Held on the first Wednesday of the month at 2 pm.Relaxed, friendly environment. Tickets are £5 and carers go free. For tickets or info call 01323 434675 or email dutymanagers@townereastbourne.org.

Pine Grove Pictures, Crowborough Golden Oldies Film Screenings at Crowborough Community CentreMonthly screenings of classic films with free entry and refreshments on Tuesday afternoons. Doors open at 1 pm, film starts at 1.30 pm. For current listings, email enquiries@pinegrovepictures.org.uk or call 01892 653823.

Bowes House, Hailsham Community Cinema: Classic, feel good films shown in a cinema setting, refreshments included. Open to those with dementia and their families. Held on the last Wednesday of each month from 2 pm. Book online at careuk.com

Heather View Care Home, Crowborough Community Cinema: Classic, feel good films shown in a cinema setting with free refreshments.Held on the third Wednesday of every month. Open to those with dementia and their families. To book, email Amy.Gullett@careuk.com or call 01892 653634.

Vintage Films and Musicals, Ninfield Free admission, tea and homemade cake are on offer.Doors open at 1.30 pm and films start at 2.00 pm on Tuesday afternoons at Ninfield Memorial Hall. To reserve a place, contact Jackie Langley on 01424 892422 or email jackie.langley1@btinternet.com.