** UPDATE; Thame Cinema 4 All is putting on an extra, earlier screening of Rocketman as the evening show is now pretty well booked. Doors open 3.30, film begins 4pm **
FROM the opening sequence, in which Taron Egerton’s Elton John strides into rehab in full stage regalia – demonic horns, wings, orange lycra catsuit, platforms, the works – and declares himself addicted to pretty much everything on the list, you will be hooked.
Dexter Fletcher’s sensational rock opera tells the story of how Reggie Dwight became Elton John and how Elton John almost came a cropper as he succumbed to sensational success, stratospheric fame, endless temptations and the consequences of excess. Told as a series of key episodes from John’s life, we learn about Reggie’s suburban childhood, his troubled relationships with his mother and his estranged father, his gift for songwriting, his creative partnership with Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and in particular his love affairs and his substance abuse, with the inevitable loneliness, isolation and near death experiences that ensue. Taron Egerton is breathtakingly good, with support from a sterling cast.
Scored and choreographed with numbers from Elton’s glorious musical catalogue, his songs become narrative devices that perfectly frame the story of his incredible life – it’s as if he wrote them for this very purpose. A riotous, dazzling and moving portrait of a rare talent, a deeply troubled but ultimately transcendent pop star.
A veritable Christmas Cracker. View the trailer HERE
UK 2019, 121 minutes, 15 certificate
Directed by Dexter Fletcher, Starring Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Jamie Bell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Tate Donovan, Stephen Graham
Sunday 22nd of December, Thame Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame – Doors open 6.30pm for 7 pm start.
Audience participation – Spectacular eye wear – or other period wear – is optional but encouraged !!
