Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words & Music

Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words & Music invites viewers on an unforgettable journey through the beloved Cider with Rosie trilogy, from the idyllic green of Gloucestershire to the stark skies of the Spanish Civil War. In this concert film, acclaimed actors Anton Lesser and Charlie Hamblett step into the shoes of an older and younger Laurie Lee, breathing life into his vivid tales of love, adventure, and rebellion. Together with a vibrant ensemble of characters, they unfold Lee’s razor‑sharp wit and raw humanity, drawing striking parallels to today’s world. Under the visionary direction of Judy Reaves and with scripts newly adapted by Deirdre Shields, the performance interweaves Lee’s prose with a stunning “breathtaking” orchestral program by the Orchestra of the Swan. From Ralph Vaughan Williams’ lush “Fantasy on Greensleeves” and Edward Elgar’s expressive “Chanson de Matin” to the spirited “Simple Symphony” by Benjamin Britten and the fiery Spanish sounds of Turina, de Falla, and Albéniz, the music mirrors the story’s arc—from the pastoral charm of Cider with Rosie to the tense, sun‑scarred valleys of Spain. Guitarist Mark Ashford leads with evocative solos of Albéniz’s “Asturias,” “Sevilla,” and the Spanish Romance, while the orchestra’s rich textures bring to life pieces such as “The Internationale,” “Spanish Romance,” “Death & the Lady,” and “Nana.” Highlights also include Gustav Holst’s “St Paul’s Suite ‘Jig’,” William Walton’s dramatic “Touch her soft lips and part,” and the resonant “Danse Espangnole” by Manuel De Falla. This film offers a powerful, immersive tribute to Laurie Lee’s enduring legacy, marrying his stirring stories with majestic music that captures the spirit of a generation—and the heartbeat of today. Join us for a concert experience that celebrates laughter, loss, and the timeless courage that transcends borders and time.