Now pay close attention, 007, especially if you are a big fan of Daniel Craig’s smash-hit debut James Bond movie Casino Royale. James Bond screenwriters Neil Purvis & Robert Wade and composer David Arnold will appear in Bridport, UK, for a Gala film screening and Q&A.
The special event will take place at the Electric Palace, Bridport, UK, on Friday 26 April, 2026, at 7:30pm.
For one night only, Bridport’s From Page to Screen film festival has a special licence to thrill with a 20th Anniversary Big Screen Gala showing of the Bond masterpiece Casino Royale. In a coup for the festival, BAFTA winning writing duo Neal Purvis & Robert Wade (writers of no less than seven James Bond movies) will be joining Grammy and Emmy winning composer David Arnold for an exclusive Q&A led by Chris Chibnall.
More than just a screening, the event at Bridport’s iconic Electric Palace cinema will bring together three film-making giants for a unique look at British cinema’s biggest and most iconic film series.
“We have a fabulous night for you – the Electric Palace will get a Casino glow-up as we roll out the red carpet, put on our glad-rags, spin the festival roulette wheel and shake (not stir) the cocktails,” says this year’s festival curator Chris Chibnall. He added: “Join us to see this modern classic back where it belongs on the Electric Palace big screen, in all its thrilling glory. This is a never-to-be-repeated night with very, very special guests. It’ll be a fun and unmissable Friday to remember”, he added.
Casino Royale is just one of twenty films and four galas being screened over the five day festival, brought together by Bridport Arts Centre. The programme features vintage comedy, classic big hitters, as well as brilliant new releases, and gives audiences the chance to sample some truly great cinema from the last 100 years. Younger audiences are not forgotten either with a FREE screening of one of Chris’s favourite family films, Fantastic Mr Fox at Bridport Youth Club.
The chance to hear from a host of special guests
A special feature of this year’s festival is its focus on looking behind the camera to speak to the talented creators who make films happen. There is a blockbuster line-up of guests including:
• directors Hannah Berryman (Spacewoman) and
• Philippa Lowthorpe (H is for Hawk);
• production designer Francesca Massariol (Pillion);
• location manager Eddy Pearch (Paddington in Peru);
• as well as exclusive film interviews with Walter Murch (editor Apocalypse Now, The Conversation, The Talented Mr Ripley) on re-editing Orson Welles’ Touch of Evil and
David Zucker – one of the writer-director trio of Airplane! on the genesis of the film.
Chris Chibnall is passionate about encouraging new people into the industry, whatever their background, and has programmed lunchtime MEET THE MAKERS sessions at Bridport Town Hall offering a daily opportunity to hear more from leading lights on what they actually do:
• James Strong on directing
• Suzanne Mackie on producing
• Francesca Massariol and Caroline Greville-Morris on production design and art direction
• David Arnold on composing
• Eddy Pearce on location management
All Meet the Makers sessions are £5 or FREE for under 25s and the festival’s commitment to accessibility for young people is also reflected in special ticket prices for U25s of just £5 for galas and £3 for other films.
Tickets and full programme from Bridport Arts Centre.
bridport-arts.com/fpts
This is a not-to-be-missed festival. You know the names, and now you know the schedule. Be there!
