Thursday 24th November, 8:05pm, Tyneside Cinema

The UK’s most prolific and innovative director turns his hand to filming a book that was always described as being unfilmable, The Life and Opinions of Tristam Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Stern. Rather like Ricky Gervais’ BBC comedy Extras with every episode mixing the story in front of and behind the camera, this film is an anarchic blend of scenes from the 18th century tale and footage of the cast and crew’s back-stage antics in the 21st century.

It flits hilariously between the two ‘realities’ with the fabulous pairing of Steve Coogan as Tristam Shandy (I’m Alan Partridge, 24-Hour Party People) and Rob Brydon as Uncle Toby (Marion and Geoff). They are supported by the cream of British acting and comedy talent (Stephen Fry, Dylan Moran, David Walliams, Mark Williams, Kelly MacDonald, Ian Hurt and Shirley Hendersen) so there’s barely a moment when you won’t be laughing.

Director: Michael Winterbottom / Feature / English / 91 minutes / UK 2005
A Cock and Bull Story is scheduled for release in December 2005.