TO SEE intriguing images and cinematic sequences of Wokingham as it was in the 1970s, film enthusiasts, historians and thrill seekers will not want to miss the showing of a classic film in Wokingham.
See No Evil, also known as Blind Terror stars Mia Farrow and a youthful Paul Nicholas as they tread the streets of Wokingham, and will be preceded by an introduction from John Gibbs, professor of film at the University of Reading.
The suspense thriller, directed by Richard Fleischer, and originally released in 1971, is not for the faint hearted, nor is it for under 15s.
But for anyone who loved classic horror films Psycho, or The Birds, it’s a must see event.
Not least because of its remarkable historic footage of the town.
In a relative’s family home in Binfield, young blind girl, Sarah (Mia Farrow) finds herself pursued by a crazed killer.
Surrounded by the bodies of dead family members, she must try to escape the madman using only her wits and her ears.
The film was shot entirely in and around Wokingham in 1970, and eagle-eyed viewers will see glimpses of the old red brick Victorian railway station, Denmark Street and a psychopath’s unnerving gaze from The Red Lion, looking out onto Market Place.
“It really is a great one for keen cinema goers,” said Paddy Haycocks, from Arts4Wokingham, the charity that has arranged the event.
“There will be choruses of ‘Ooooh, that’s…..!’ as people spot places of interest in and around Wokingham.
“There’s so much to look out for.”
Arts4Wokingham has arranged the screening as a fundraiser for their own plans for the town.
The group’s vision is to bring public art into the lives of borough residents, and onto the streets of Wokingham and its surrounding towns.
Their first project, which will grace the entrance to Wokingham Leisure Centre, is The Arc, Arts4Wokingham’s answer to Newcastle’s Angel of The North.
Its contemporary design will see steel archways soaring over the approach to the town’s well-used leisure centre and library.
Thoughts and reactions of residents etched into its structure will be reflected onto the ground below through the silhouettes and shadows they cast.
Designed by artist Nicola Anthony, it is the result of collaborative workshops where she recorded real life moments of people’s lives to incorporate into her sculpture.
“See No Evil shows Wokingham as it was in 1970,” said Paddy.
“It will reflect some of the changes that have taken place over the years, but we’d love people to imagine how the town could look in the near future too, with a unique sculpture to reflect the dynamism and creativity of Wokingham.
“We’re getting there with the funding, but we still need more to reach our goal.
“We’re delighted and grateful that global distributions group that transports art around the world, Flight Logistics, are generously supporting us.
“We’re totally reliant on donations and fundraising, and would love more local businesses to put their name to the vision.”
To see Wokingham as it was, reflect on where it is now, and support Arts4Wokingham’s vision, people can buy tickets for See No Evil online, in just a few days.
Arts4Wokingham is hopeful that patrons will generously support the event, and suspects that tickets will disappear like hot cakes.
There will be a raffle a bar, and no fixed ticket price.
Instead, there is a suggested minimum donation of £7, with all funds raised going to Arts4Wokingham.
The event will take place at The Whitty Theatre, Wokingham, on Monday, November 11.
Doors will open at 7.30pm, with the event beginning at 7.45pm.
Tickets can be bought from 10am, on Monday, September 16.
Arts4Wokingham thanks speaker John Gibbs, and event hosts Wokingham Film Society.
For tickets, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/arts4wokingham
For information, visit: www.arts4wokingham.com www.wokinghamfilmsociety.com and www.flightlg.com www.reading.ac.uk (search for professor john gibbs)
