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Burke and HareLet Me InDue Date

MegamindThe Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

Love and Other Drugs127 Hours

The King’s SpeechTangled

ConvictionNever Let Me Go

The Dilemma films for Christmas

and much more...

Box Office: 01324 506850 www.falkirk.gov.uk/hippodrome

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As I write this it’s only 48 sleeps until Christmas and I don’t know about you but I’m really looking forward to family gatherings, decorating the tree and hopefully a bit of sledging (but not as much snow as last year thanks very much!). And I can’t wait to settle down to watch lots of seasonal films at the Hippodrome where we’ve got a bumper selection box of favourites lined up for lovers of family films, classics and ballet. There’s something a bit different for anyone wanting a darker twist to their Christmas, with the evil Santa of local folklore as featured in ‘Rare Exports’… a soon-to-be-Christmas-cult-film, mark my words. Look out Raymond Briggs!

Christmas isn’t the only holiday we’re celebrating in this programme… Before you know it the advent calendars aisle at the supermarket will be replaced by chocolate love-hearts and Valentine gifts, and the Hippodrome will be showing ‘The Notebook’. Many of you voted for this in last year’s date movie poll and now we’ve tracked down the screening rights so you can immerse yourself in the romance of it all with your soul mate… or just your mate if you prefer. In fact, not content with just one date option you could go for ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ – the original rom-com, starring Jimmy Stewart; or ‘La Traviata’ – the original ‘Pretty Woman’ – world-class opera, filmed live at the Royal Opera House London… and while you’re at it, why not treat yourself and your date/mate to a glass of something bubbly at the Hippodrome bar.

As for the school holidays we’ve pulled out all the stops to bring you family films including Disney’s latest blockbuster ‘Tangled’, showing over the February week, with extra day-time screenings. Disney took a wee bit of extra persuading to accommodate our odd school holiday dates, so let’s prove them right and go for record audiences. Pre-order your snack pack (booking forms from the box office) and make it your mission to bring someone who’s never been to the Hippodrome before… we never tire of that gasped exclamation: “Wow!” from folk that look up at the starry dome for the first time.

Special events this season are corkers (couldn’t resist the pun) with a return of Whisky Galore! Night to mark the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Politician, featuring an entertaining intro from the ever-popular Keith Hewitt, and whisky tasting courtesy of Isle of Arran Distillers (and for anyone there at last year’s sell-out, I promise not to sing this time!)

This season we have invited two Scottish filmmakers to introduce their work at our lovely venue: Amy Hardie, winner of several international awards, and co-founder of the Scottish Documentary Institute and Docspace, will present her profound and intriguing film ‘The Edge of Dreaming’; and Polmont-based writer Simon Beattie and director Bruce Strachan will introduce their fresh and original black comedy, ‘Northside’. All three relish the opportunity to discuss their practice and are looking forward to a Q&A with the Hippodrome audience.

I’ve used up all this space and not even begun to talk about the recent comedy, sci-fi, drama, thriller, horror and musical releases at the heart of the programme. There’s an inadvertent trend of follow-up films from directors that we’ve been keen to see more from… like Corbijn / ‘The American’ (whose last success was the stunning ‘Control’), Sofia Coppola / ‘Somewhere’ (who made her name with ‘Lost in Translation’), Donnersmarck / ‘The Tourist’ (‘The Lives of Others’), Danny Boyle / ‘127 Hours’ (‘Slumdog Millionaire’), and Todd Phillips / ‘Due Date’ (‘The Hangover’). In fact we liked his last one so much we’re showing that as well with on 30th December).

On a final note, one of my personal favourites in this programme is ‘Alamar’ – a gentle film about a father/son relationship and I recommend it to you for its beauty and delicacy. I tested ‘Alamar’ out on my 8 year-old who was entranced, hence it’s position in this season’s jeely jar special slot (2-for-1 with clean jam jar and lid), but grown-ups should grab the chance to see this gem, even without a child in tow.

Alison Strauss Arts Development Officer (Film and Media)

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Due Date Peter (Downey Jr.) is a highly-strung expectant first-time father whose wife's due date is just five days away. Embarking on the long journey to be home for the birth, a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan (Galifianakis) sets in motion a catastrophic and hilarious train of events. No doubt calling to mind the 1987 comedy classic: ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’, this new film from the director of surprise box-office hit: ‘The Hangover’ (see pg 12) more than holds its own. This is a fine, bright and painfully funny comedy with just the right measure of poignancy in the chemistry between the bickering leads.

Dir. Todd Phillips / US / 2010 / 1h 35mWith: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Juliette Lewis

Fri 10 Dec 20:00 Sat 11 Dec 19:30 Wed 15 20:00

Let Me In With US remakes of foreign language films tending towards the reductive, this chilling reworking of the recent Swedish art-house hit proves to be that rare thing: a well-handled and revitalised adaptation. Shy and bullied Owen’s loneliness comes to an end when he develops a friendship with his mysterious new neighbour, Abby. But as his neighbourhood is shaken by a series of grizzly murders Owen gradually realises there may be more to Abby than meets the eye. This masterful horror – produced by Hammer Films – builds an atmosphere of slow dawning dread which pivots on the haunting performances of the two young leads.

Dir. Matt Reeves / US / 2010 / 1h 56m / ADWith: Kodi Smith-McPhee, Chloe Grace Moretz, Elias Koteas, Richard Jenkins

Sun 12 Dec 19:30 Thu 16 Dec 20:00

Easy A When teenager Olive (Stone) finds she has inadvertently become the centre of scandalous gossip she decides to make a virtue of necessity, or rather a vice…by embracing the image of nymphomaniac to advance her social standing in the school. With purposeful nods to Hawthorne’s ‘The Scarlet Letter’ the film follows in the worthwhile wake of literary classics transposed to US high schools (cf. ‘Othello’ / ‘O’ or ‘Emma’ / ’Clueless’). The result is an intelligent, witty and entertaining social satire.

Dir. Will Gluck / US / 2010 / 1h 33mWith: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson, Amanda Bynes, Lisa Kudrow

Fri 17 Dec 20:00 Wed 22 20:00 Thu 23 19:30 3

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Burke and Hare A rollicking black comedy loosely based on the exploits of the infamous pair of grave-robbers. Delighting in the morally playful tone of his earlier films ‘The Blues Brothers’ and ‘An American Werewolf in London’ Landis reportedly instructed Pegg (‘Hot Fuzz’) and Serkis (‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy) to play the dodgy duo like a kind of evil Laurel and Hardy. They are well supported by a true host of British talent including the real villains of the piece: the pompous and self-serving doctors played with relish by Tom Wilkinson and Tim Curry.

Dir. John Landis / UK / 2010 / 1h 31mWith: Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Tim Curry, Christopher Lee, Tom Wilkinson, Isla Fisher

Thu 6 Jan 20:00

London Boulevard (cert tbc)

A romantic crime drama inspired by the classic 1950 noir, ‘Sunset Blvd’. Colin Farrell plays Mitchell, a man newly released from prison who befriends a reclusive movie star (Knightley) but falls foul of a vicious gangster. Aside from a great script, story and an original score by Sergio Pizzorno of Kasabian, look out for exceptional cinematography from British cameraman Chris Menges who gained his reputation for outstanding, award-winning work on films like ‘The Killing Fields’, ‘The Mission’ and ‘Local Hero’.

Dir. William Monahan / US/UK / 2010 / dur tbcWith: Keira Knightley, Colin Farrell, Anna Friel, David Thewlis, Ray Winstone

Fri 7 Jan – Mon 10 Jan Fri 7 20:00 Sat 8 14:30 Sun 9 19:30 Mon 10 11:00 (cuppa)

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest Final instalment of the hugely successful film adaptations of Stieg Larsson’s ‘Millennium Trilogy’ crime novels. The film picks up immediately from where the second left off, with Lisbeth recovering in hospital and plotting revenge. With its knife edge tension, dramatic courtroom battles, and warehouse shoot-outs, for some reviewers, disappointed by Lisbeth’s last outing, this last part of the trilogy is a return to the high promise and excitement of the first film.

Dir. Daniels Alfredson / Sweden / 2009 / 2h 27m / Swedish with English sub-titlesWith: Michael Nykvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre

Sat 8 Jan – Thu 13 Jan Sat 8 19:30 Sun 9 14:30 Wed 12 19:30 Thu 13 19:304

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Monsters A refreshingly unusual mix of romance-road-movie and sci-fi adventure – ‘Monsters’ was the surprise, shoestring budget hit at the 2010 Edinburgh Film Festival. The film follows the story of a lone-riding photo journalist who reluctantly agrees to escort his wealthy boss’s strong-willed daughter through Mexico to the US border – crossing the quarantined wilds of South America where alien life has taken over and the jungles are dangerously infested. Multi-talented feature new-comer Edwards wrote, shot, directed and created the visual effects for this beautifully made social allegory.

Dir. Gareth Edwards / UK / 2010 / 1h 33With: Whitney Able, Scoot McNairy

Sat 15 Jan 14:30 Sun 16 Jan 14:30

Burlesque (cert tbc)

The ‘wow’ factor writ large! Mega-star Christina Aguilera plays that Hollywood musical staple: a country girl dreaming of making it in the big city... in this case L.A.. Initially sceptical of young Ali Rose’s talents, burlesque bar managers Sean (Tucci) and Tess (Cher) finally give the new girl a shot at the glitz and glamour of the big time when they hear her powerful singing voice. Ali quickly becomes the star of the show… drawing the respect of her fellow performers and hostility from the troubled and jealous dancer Nikki (Kristen Bell).

Dir. Steven Antin / US / 2010 / dur tbcWith: Christina Aguilera, Cher, Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Kristen Bell

Fri 14 Jan – Wed 19 Jan Fri 14 20:00 Sat 15 19:30 Mon 17 11:00 (cuppa) Wed 19 19:30

The American Corbijn follows the brilliance of his feature debut ‘Control’ with this markedly different character-driven thriller. The ever-reliable Clooney plays Jack – inscrutable arms expert and occasional assassin, who flees to the Italian countryside and holes up in a small Abruzzo village (familiar as the backdrop from countless 1950s spaghetti westerns). Whilst bearing the familiar plot trademarks of hit-man wanting to go straight this is a contemplative piece of work, boasting profundity of tone, artistic vision and arresting camera compositions from photographer-by-trade Corbijn.

Dir. Anton Corbijn / US / 2010 / 1h 45m / ADWith: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli, Irina Bjorkland

Sun 16 Jan 19:30 Thu 20 Jan 20:005

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Love and Other Drugs (cert tbc)

Gyllenhaal plays smooth talking, sex seeking Jamie – slick operator in the world of pharmaceutical sales. His near infallible charm meets its match when he encounters alluring free spirit Hathaway (‘The Devil Wears Prada’). The on-screen chemistry between the two stars is palpable in this romantic drama that succeeds in rending the heart and supplying plentiful laughs. Meanwhile the writing team have created fresh and witty dialogue that bears comparison with the screwball comedies of Howard Hawks.

Dir. Edward Zwick / US / 2010 / dur tbcWith: Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway

Fri 21 Jan – Wed 26 Jan Fri 21 20:00 Sat 22 19:30 Sun 23 14:30 Mon 24 11:00 (cuppa) Wed 26 19:30

Somewhere Since her 2003 critical hit ‘Lost in Translation’ (and the subsequent let down for many that was ‘Marie Antoinette’) audiences have been eager for a new film from Sofia Coppola. ‘Somewhere’ will not disappoint. Dorff plays a hard-living Hollywood actor and regular practitioner of morning-after regret, whose estranged wife gets in touch to impose a visit from their 11-year-old daughter (Fanning). This charming and heart-breaking film charts the relationship of the pair as they gradually get to know each other, in a tender father-daughter love story suffused with perceptive observation and delicate irony.

Dir. Sofia Coppola / US / 2010 / 1h 38m / ADWith: Stephen Dorff, Elle Fanning, Michelle Monaghan

Sat 22 Jan 14:30 Sun 23 Jan 19:30

Another Year A gently resonant film following a year in the lives of a contented couple, played by Mike Leigh regulars, Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen. The middle-aged pair go about the well-observed routines of their marriage but the lives of their friends are blighted with dissatisfaction. Like some of Leigh’s best work this aching tale of loneliness and what it means to be happy is revealed through brilliantly telling dialogue and wonderful performances, whilst the sympathetic camera-style of Dick Pope perfectly captures the shifting seasons that are the backdrop to the film’s narrative arc.

Dir. Mike Leigh / UK / 2010 / 2h 10mWith: Jim Broadbent, Lesley Manville, Imelda Staunton, Ruth Sheen, Peter Wright, Stuart McQuarrie, Oliver Maltman

Thu 27 Jan 20:00 Sun 30 Jan 19:306

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127 Hours A gripping new film that tells the true story of the ordeal suffered by young mountain climber Aron Ralston in 2003 who, whilst climbing in an isolated ravine, was pinned immovably against a canyon wall by a fallen half-tonne boulder. James Franco as the thrill-seeking Aron magnificently carries this taut, dramatic film but accolades will surely also go to Danny Boyle’s direction (joined here by his ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ team members: cinematographer Mantle, composer Rahman and writer Simon Beaufoy) which is pacy and vital, despite the claustrophobic scenario.

Dir. Danny Boyle / US/UK / 2010 / 1h 34mWith: James Franco, Clemence Poesy

Fri 28 Jan – Wed 2 Feb Fri 28 20:00 Sat 29 14:30, 19:30 Sun 30 14:30 Mon 31 11:00 (cuppa) Wed 2 19:30

The King’s Speech A crowd-pleasing drama based on the intriguing case of Prince Albert (father of our Elizabeth II) whose nervous stammer made his royal duties a painful ordeal. The Prince reluctantly embarks on a course of therapy with unorthodox speech expert Lionel Logue and, despite the man’s complete lack of regard for royal protocol, an unlikely friendship develops between them. The film delights in the sympathetic performances of Firth and Rush who take centre stage amongst an award-winning top cast of Brits (look out too for nine-year-old Ramona Marquez from TV’s ‘Outnumbered’).

Dir. Tom Hooper / UK/Australia / 2010 / 1h 50mWith: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush

Fri 4 Feb – Thu 10 Feb Fri 4 10:30 (baby friendly), 19:30 Sat 5 14:30 Sun 6 19:30 Mon 7 11:00 (cuppa) Thu 10 20:00

The Tourist (cert tbc)

Donnersmarck’s first film since winning his Oscar for the exceptional ‘The Lives of Others’ is a romantic thriller starring Depp as the titular American visiting Italy to mend his broken heart, where he encounters the enigmatic Elise (Jolie) and is ensnared in her plan to outwit the band of gangsters chasing her criminal, former lover. With no official preview screenings and details of the film strictly under wraps at time of going to print, the director’s reputation and the pleasingly Hitchcockian flavour of the film, add up to a warranted place in this season.

Dir. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck / US/France / 2010 / dur tbcWith: Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton, Stephen Berkoff, Rufus Sewell

Sun 6 Feb 14:30 Wed 9 Feb 20:00 7

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The Way Back (cert tbc)

A harrowing epic directed by Peter Weir (‘Witness’, ‘Galipoli’), distinguished by astonishing technical achievements and powerful themes, inspired by the true stories of a band of people who escaped from Stalinist labour camps in the 1940s gulag. Rich with visual splendour the film achieves a searing power as it considers whether a good man can play a meaningful role during a time of widespread evil. The stars include Colin Farrell as a hardened criminal and Saoirse Ronan (‘Atonement’) as an orphaned girl who persuades the men to let her join their trek to freedom.

Dir. Peter Weir / US / 2010 / 2h 10mWith: Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong

Fri 11 Feb 20:00 Sat 12 Feb 14:30

The Notebook Serious contender in the 2009 Hippodrome audience vote for best Valentine’s date movie we present one of our audience’s most loved love stories. An elderly man (James Garner) regularly reads to his ageing nursing-home companion (Gena Rowlands) the tale of Allie and Noah – two southern US teenagers who meet in 1940 and fall desperately in love, only to be separated by Allie’s wealthy and disapproving parents. A classic tear-jearker adapted from the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks, ‘The Notebook’ is at once captivating and heartbreaking.

Dir. Nick Cassavetes / US / 2004 / 2h 4mWith: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Sam Shepard

Sun 13 Feb 19:30 Mon 14 Feb 11:00 (cuppa)

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Conviction On 12th May 1983 Kenny Waters was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment on the testimony of two ex-girlfriends. ‘Conviction’ is the inspirational, true story of his sister, Betty Anne’s unswerving belief in his innocence. Hilary Swank (‘Million Dollar Baby’) is exceptional as Betty Anne, a working mother who, having no education, puts herself through school, college and law school in an 18-year quest to free her brother. The ingredients of courtroom battles, the wrongly accused and David and Goliath figures are finely deployed here in this powerful and engrossing film with a big emotional punch.

Dir. Tony Goldwyn / US / 2010 / 1h 47mWith: Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo

Sat 19 Feb 19:30 Sun 20 Feb 19:30 Wed 23 Feb 20:00

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The Dilemma (cert tbc)

Vince Vaughn (‘The Breakup) and Kevin James (‘Hitch’) headline an all-star comedy from prolific, Oscar-winning director Ron Howard (‘Backdraft’, ‘Apollo 13’, ‘A Beautiful Mind’) about how far you can bend a brotherly bond before it snaps. Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny and happily married Nick have been through thick and thin. Now business partners, the two pals are working to land a dream project. But Ronny's world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Nick’s wife out with another man and makes it his mission to get answers…

Dir. Ron Howard / US / 2011 / dur tbc / ADWith: Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, Channing Tatum

Sat 26 Feb 19:30 Sun 27 Feb 14:30, Wed 2 Mar 20:00

Never Let Me Go Kathy (Mulligan/’An Education’) recalls her childhood at a seemingly idyllic boarding school, growing up with Ruth and Tommy. Encouraged in healthy activities, creative outlets and subject to regular medical checks the pupils live a happy if sheltered existence. As graduation to the real world looms they struggle to apprehend a dark secret that hangs over their future. Director Romanek and writer Alex Garland (‘The Beach’) draw out strands of jealousy and betrayal, and the eery sense of strangeness demanded by Ishiguro’s source novel.

Dir. Mark Romanek / UK / 2010 / 1h 43mWith: Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, Andrew Garfield, Charlotte Rampling, Sally Hawkins

Fri 25 Feb – Thu 3 Mar Fri 25 20:00 Sat 26 14:30 Sun 27 19:30 Mon 28 11:00 (cuppa) Thu 3 19:30

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Ssshhhh....Take your seat in Scotland’s first cinema for Scotland’s first festival of silent film...

Featuring: Live Musical Performances, Special Events for all the family, Local Archive Films, Classic and Rare Silent Films and the big noise in silent cinema Neil Brand. One of the UK’s leading silent film piano accompanists, Neil co-starred with Paul Merton in the UK tour of Paul Merton’s Silent Clowns and has performed to critical acclaim on television, radio and in cinemas around the world.

Register for more information: www.falkirk.gov.uk/silentcinemafest

The Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema

Fri 18 March - Sun 20th March 2011 9

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Swan Lake A magnificent world-class production of ‘Swan Lake’, filmed live at the Royal Opera House, London and projected digitally in the stunning auditorium of Scotland’s oldest cinema. A traditional festive favourite, this story of love and betrayal is a classic treat for lovers of dance and all those looking for something special to herald the Christmas season.

Prince Siegfried falls in love with the Swan Queen: Odette, condemned by the evil magician Von Rothbart to transform into a swan by day. After trickery at a palace ball prevents the Prince marrying his new love and restoring her to her true form, tragic actions are the only means left to him to break the spell once and for all. The ethereal staging and Tchaikovsky’s glorious music combine to conjure a production of inspiration and romance.

Choreography Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov / 2008 / 2h 40m incl. 20 min intermission With: Marianela Nuñez as Odette/Odile and Thiago Soares as Prince Siegfried

Sun 19 Dec 14:30 Fri 24 Dec 15:00Tickets: £8 (£6 conc.)

La Traviata This year’s Hippodrome Valentine’s weekend event is a chance to see a revival of Richard Eyre’s highly acclaimed 1994 production of Verdi’s best-loved work, here performed by a star cast at The Royal Opera House, London.

The story of Violetta, a high class courtesan who meets and falls passionately in love with nobleman Alfredo. But when their affair threatens to bring scandal on Alfredo’s family and ruin the future of his sister, Violetta faces a selfless sacrifice that proves the nobility of her love. A timeless favourite… and the opera to which Richard Gere’s character takes Julia Roberts in the film ‘Pretty Woman’!

Dir. Richard Eyre / 2009 / 2h 35m incl. 20 min intermission / sung in Italian with English sub-titlesWith: Renée Fleming as Violetta and Joseph Calleja as Alfredo

Sat 12 Feb 19:30 Sun 13 Feb 14:30Tickets £8 (£6 conc.)Both screenings will be preceded by a brief, live performance from members of the Bo’ness Amateur Operatic Society of highlights from their forthcoming show ‘100 Years Musical Showcase’ (16 – 21 May 2011, Bo’ness Town Hall).10

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Miracle on 34th Street A sweet old man is institutionalised when he claims to be the real Santa. His case captures the imagination of a little girl and a lawyer who defends him in court with a case arguing that he is indeed the real thing. A perfect family film to revive your wonder in the true spirit of the season...

Dir. George Seaton / 1947 / 1h 50m approx / b&w

Sat 11 Dec 14:30

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White Christmas Directed by Michael Curtiz (as in ‘Casablanca’!), Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye put on a show to save the Vermont inn. Romantic complications (courtesy Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen) and delightful Irving Berlin numbers ensue, not least the phenomenally popular title song.

Dir. Michael Curtiz /1954 / 1h 55m

Sun 12 Dec 14:30 Mon 13 Dec 11:00 (cuppa)

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale You better watch out, you better not cry... Based on the award-winning shorts of director Jalmari Helander that have already acquired a cult reputation on the internet, Santa Claus is coming to town in a fantasy thriller for Christmas

Dir. Jalmari Helander / Finland/Norway / 2010 / dur tbc / Finnish with English sub-titles

Sat 18 Dec 14:30 19:30

It’s A Wonderful Life Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a screen outing for this much-loved cine-fable about George Bailey (James Stewart) and his guardian angel, Clarence, summoned by the prayers of his loved ones to show George what things would have been like had he never been born.

Dir. Frank Capra / 1946 / 2h 10m / b&w

Sun 19 Dec 19:30 Mon 20 Dec 11:00 (cuppa) Fri 24 Dec 11:00 11

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E.T. The Extra Terrestrial Recently voted into the number one spot of the Radio Times 100 Greatest Family Films, ‘E.T.’ is the most magical of tales with a clear nativity/resurrection theme. Young Elliott finds a creature in the garage (for which read ‘manger’) which turns out to be an alien left behind by a visiting mother-ship on an exploratory mission to Earth. Elliott takes the creature in, concealing him from federal agents who are bent on examining alien-life regardless of the destructive effect of their actions. Truly deserving of its status, this film, with its innocence, laughter and thrills never fails to be profoundly moving.

Dir. Steven Spielberg / US / 1982 / 1h 55m approxWith: Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Drew Barrymore

Tue 28 Dec 14:30

Alpha and Omega Back at the Hippodrome for the holidays by popular demand, ‘Alpha and Omega’ is the tale of two young wolves, at opposite ends of their pack's social order, who must set aside their class differences after they are thrown together and relocated to a park hundreds of miles from home. A top-notch voice-cast includes Dennis Hopper – in his last film before his death in May – as a big bad wolf out to steal territory from a rival lupine chief, voiced by Danny Glover.

Dir. Anthony Bell & Ben Gluck / 2010 / 1h 28mWith: Hayden Pannetierre, Christina Ricci, Justin Long

Wed 29 Dec 14:30

The Hangover Before making ‘Due Date’ (see pg 3) Todd Phillips grabbed everyone’s attention with his feature smash-hit comedy ‘The Hangover’. Picking up awards and huge box office everywhere the film was a rare marriage of popular and critical success, and the movie-world and film fans eagerly await ‘The Hangover II’, due for release in 2011… On a stag do in Las Vegas, three friends loose the groom after a night of debauched excess and must retrace their steps to find him in time for the wedding. Clever script, hilarious interplay amongst the leads and raunchy humour… b****y brilliant.

Dir. Todd Phillips / US / 2009 / 1h 40mWith: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helmes, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham

Thu 30 Dec 19:3012

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Megamind DreamWorks studios are masters when it comes to creating the perfect mix to appeal to juniors and their grown-up companions, and under their banner, ‘Madagascar’ director Tom McGrath has made an original and funny animation about what it means to be a goody and a baddy. Super-villain Megamind (Ferrell) finds life has become meaningless when there is no one left to fight. He creates a new foe, Titan (Hill), who, instead of using his powers for good, sets out to destroy the world, positioning Megamind to save the day for the first time in his life.

Dir. Tom McGrath / US / 2010 / 1h 35m / ADWith: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Tina Fey

Fri 31 Dec 14:30 Tue 4 Jan 14:30 Wed 5 Jan 19:30

The Shop Around The Corner Lubitsch’s deliciously delicate comedy follows employees of the gossip-ridden Matuschek family store and, in particular, earnest but unfulfilled Kralik who is at constant loggerheads with aspirational and snobbish Ms Novak, each entirely unaware that the other is the subject of their blissful but anonymous epistolary courtship. Avoiding sentimentality (and far superior to the Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks vehicle ‘You’ve Got Mail’ which it inspired) this is the blueprint for all great romantic comedy and the perfect film for Valentine’s week, presented in a new bfi restoration.

Dir. Ernst Lubitsch / US / 1949 / 1h 39mWith: James Stewart, Margaret Sullivan, Frank Morgan, Joseph Schildkraut

Thu 17 Feb 19:30

Tangled (cert tbc)

New from Disney for the school holidays a sure-fire hit which re-imagines the fairy-tale character of Rapunzel… When the kingdom’s most wanted, and most charming, bandit Flynn Rider hides out in a mysterious tower, he’s taken hostage by a beautiful and feisty teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Flynn’s curious captor, who’s looking for a ticket out of the tower, strikes a deal with the handsome thief and the duo sets off on an action-packed adventure. Filled with humour, action and romance this is another instant Disney classic.

Dir. Nathan Greno & Bryan Howard / US / 2010 / dur. tbcWith: Zachary Levi, Mandy Moore, Donna Murphy

Wed 16 Feb – Mon 21 Feb Wed 16 19:30 Thu 17 11:00 Fri 18 14:30, 19:30 Sat 19 14:30 Sun 20 14:30 Mon 21 11:00 (cuppa)

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The Coal Road The Journey of Coal in Bo'nessA documentary project – made by a Bo’ness community group who, with technical help from local video specialists Sanctus Media, conceived, filmed, produced and directed this story of the significance and legacy of coal mining to the area.

From the early days of Roman soldiers and the medieval monks, coal has been hewn from the land around Bo’ness. In the town’s heyday, at the height of the industrial revolution, Bo’ness coal powered Scotland and the world! The legacy of mining in the area lives on after the pit closures, most famously in the Bo’ness Children’s Fair Festival which had its beginnings in the town’s coal mining heritage. The film is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Bo'ness Community Council and features many local people telling their story. Today’s screening is preceded by an event for schools which have been provided with class-room materials as part of ‘The Coal Road’ project.

Fri 14 Jan 11:30 (cuppa) (Note start time) Tickets: £2.60 / £5.25 incl. refreshments.

The Edge of Dreaming (cert tbc)

Can a dream kill you? For a local Scottish filmmaker this became an urgent question. Amy Hardie is a rational sceptical woman, a mother and wife, who does not normally remember her dreams. Except when she dreamt her horse was dying. She woke so scared she went outside in the night. She found him dead. The next dream told her she would die herself, when she was 48. Her film explores life, dreams and death in the context of a warm, loving family whose happiness is increasingly threatened as the dream seems to be proving true. Eminent neuroscientist Mark Solms gets involved and a shaman, which reveals a surprising twist to the tale.

The Hippodrome is delighted to welcome film-maker Amy Hardie who will present the screening and lead a Q&A and discussion afterwards.

Dir. Amy Hardie / UK / 2009 / 1h 13m + intro/Q&A

Thu 3 Feb 19:30

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‘Whisky Galore!’ NightTo mark the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Politician 70 years ago today – an incident which inspired Compton MacKenzie’s novel and the film in turn – the Hippodrome presents a screening of this hugely enjoyable Ealing comedy about a Hebridean island community, parched by war-time shortages and determined to put a shipwrecked cargo of whisky to proper use before officialdom can lay claim to it. And we are delighted to welcome back Keith Hewitt who has prepared a new introduction for the occasion – and whose whisky collection includes a bottle salvaged from the SS Politician! Keith’s entertaining talks about the classic film at the Hippodrome Bo’ness and the Edinburgh Fringe have been a storming, sell-out success so pre-booking is strongly advised.

The screening and talk will be preceded by an opportunity to sample single malt whiskies from Isle of Arran Distillers (age 18+).

Dir. Alexander MackendrickWith: Basil Radford, Joan Greenwood, Jean Cadell, Gordon JacksonUK / 1949 / 1h 22m / b/w / programme duration: approx 2h

Sat 5 Feb 19:00Tickets for this special event are £10.50 (£8 conc.).

Northside (recommended 15yrs +)

As part of our passion for seeking out the best of local film-making talent we proudly present a micro-budget feature made in and around the Falkirk area and written by Polmont-based Simon Beattie.

Callum is somewhat estranged from his family, living in London with his English girlfriend and working amongst media types. Down south for the last ten years he only ventures ‘northside’ to visit his traditional farming family occasionally. Reluctantly summoned to celebrate his father’s 60th birthday, the tensions between Callum and his father soon surface, until some dramatic revelations upset proceedings and ensure that family life will never be the same again. Emotional and comical by turns this is fresh, new take on family skeletons from a writing/directing team to watch.

Director Bruce Strachan and writer Simon Beattie will introduce the film and the screening will be followed by a Q&A.

Dir. Bruce Strachan / UK / 2009 / 1h 14m + intro/Q&AWith: David Elliot, John Henderson, Lois Creasy, Carrie Mancini, Stuart Nicoll

Thu 24 Feb 19:3015

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Muppet Christmas Carol A Muppet re-working of Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, this musical version stars an excellent Michael Caine as Scrooge and a cast of your favourite Muppets with Kermit playing put-upon book-keeper Bob Cratchit.

Dir. Brian Henson / 1992 / 1h 25m

Sat 11 Dec 11:00

We Wish You.... A Jeely ChristmasAt Christmas your money won’t stretch as far,

so save two pounds and bring a jeely jar.

Don’t put it out to the recycle bin,

bring it here and come on in.

We don’t want your teeth to rot away,

so don’t bring jars on every day.

It’s only buy one get one free,

on Saturday the 5th of February!

Home Alone An 8-year-old boy’s wish that everyone should just disappear and leave him alone is granted when his preoccupied parents accidentally set off on holiday without him. With all parental constraints lifted young Kevin is having a ball, until he must pit his wits against a pair of bungling burglars in this modern-day Christmas classic.

Dir. Chris Columbus / 1990 / 1h 39m

Sat 18 Dec 11:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 Part one of the final instalment of the Harry Potter stories. Voldermort now has control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledore’s work and find the rest of the Horcruxes to defeat the Dark Lord. But the challenges facing them are the most fearsome yet.

Dir. David Yates / UK/USA / 2010 / 2h 26m

Sat 4 Dec 11:00 (also screening Fri 3 Dec – Thu 9 Dec)16

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Secret of Kells An understated, cliché-free, Oscar-nominated Irish charmer about a young medieval monk in training who embarks on a mission to gather the materials needed to write the illuminated Book of Kells. Lovely hand-drawn animation of myth and mysticism.

Dir. Tomm Moore & Nora Twomey / 2008 / 1h 19m

Sat 8 Jan 11:00

Ramona and Beezus Cute and wholesome family comedy based on the beloved children’s book series by Beverly Cleary following the misadventures of accident prone Ramona and her older sister Beatrice.

Dir. Elizabeth Allen / 2010 / 1h 43m

Sat 15 Jan 11:00

Legend of the Guardians Fantasy animated adventure about a young owl – enthralled by his father's epic stories of a mythic band of winged warriors – and his jealous older brother, who both fall into the clutches of the evil Pure Ones and must fight together to save the owl kingdoms.

Dir. Zack Snyder / 2010 / 1h 36m

Sat 22 Jan 11:00

Igor Loveable animated fable about Igor, a talented hunchback, who secretly plans to create the greatest invention the world has ever seen and win first prize at the annual Evil Science Fair, much to the displeasure of the rest of the evil science community.

Dir. Tony Leondis / 2008 / 1h 27m

Sat 29 Jan 11:00 17

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Alamar Before moving to Italy with his mother, five year-old Natan embarks on a journey to the Caribbean with his father where the pair begin to form a tender bond. ****Empire.

Dir. Pedro Gonzalez-Rubio / 2009 / 1h 13m / Spanish & Italian with English subtitles

Sat 5 Feb 11:00 ** jeely jar special **

Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday Jacques Tati (inspiration for ‘The Illusionist’) plays the well-meaning but clumsy M. Hulot – on vacation at a quiet seaside resort and so devoted to enjoyment that he barely notices the comic chaos that follows in his wake.

Dir. Jacques Tati /1952 / 1h 27m / b&w

Sat 12 Feb 11:00

The Voyage of The Dawn Treader (cert tbc)

Third instalment of the Narnia adaptations in which Lucy and Edmund board the royal ship The Dawn Treader and encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world.

Dir. Michael Apted / 2010 / dur tbc

Sat 19 Feb 11:00

Hercules The ‘Aladdin’ team do ancient mythology the Disney way, and very entertaining it is too, with James Woods as super bad-guy Hades and Danny DeVito as a clowning trainer of our superhero: the none-too-bright Herc.

Dir. Ron Clements & John Musker / 1997 / 1h 33m

Sat 26 Feb 11:00 18

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December page

Wed 1 The Kids Are All Right (15) 20:00

Thu 2 Mary and Max (12A) 20:00

Fri 3 Harry Potter (12A) 19:30 16

Sat 4 Harry Potter (12A) J 11:00, 14:30, 19:30 16

Sun 5 Harry Potter (12A) 14:30, 19:30 16

Mon 6 Harry Potter (12A) C 11:00 16

Wed 8 Hippodrome for Schools

Harry Potter (12A) 19:30 16

Thu 9 Harry Potter (12A) 20:00 16

Fri 10 Hippodrome for schools

Due Date (15) 20:00 3

Sat 11 Muppet Christmas Carol (U) J 11:00 16

Miracle on 34th Street (U) 14:30 11

Due Date (15) 19:30 3

Sun 12 White Christmas (U) 14:30 11

Let Me In (15) 19:30 3

Mon 13 White Christmas (U) C 11:00 11

Wed 15 Hippodrome for schools

Due Date (15) 20:00 3

Thu 16 Let Me In (15) 20:00 3

Fri 17 Hippodrome for schools

Easy A (15) 20:00 3

Sat 18 Home Alone (PG) J 11:00 16

Rare Exports (15) 14:30 19:30 11

Sun 19 Swan Lake 14:30 10

Sun 19 It’s A Wonderful Life (U) 19:30 11

Mon 20 It’s A Wonderful Life (U) C 11:00 11

Wed 22 Easy A (15) 20:00 3

Thu 23 Easy A (15) 19:30 3

Fri 24 It’s A Wonderful Life (U) 11:00 11

Swan Lake 15:00 10

25 – 27 CLOSED

Tue 28 E.T. (U) 14:30 12

Wed 29 Alpha and Omega (U) 14:30 12

Thu 30 The Hangover (15) 19:30 12

Fri 31 Megamind (PG) 14:30 13

January page

1 – 2 CLOSED

Tue 4 Megamind (PG) 14:30 13

Wed 5 Megamind (PG) 19:30 13

Thu 6 Burke and Hare (15) 20:00 4

Fri 7 London Boulevard 20:00 4

Sat 8 Secret of Kells (PG) J 11:00 17

London Boulevard 14:30 4

Girl Who Kicked… (15) 19:30 4

Sun 9 London Boulevard 19:30 4

Mon 10 London Boulevard C 11:00 4

Sun 9 Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest (15) 14:30 4

Wed 12 Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest (15) 19:30 4

Thu 13 Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest (15) 19:30 4

Fri 14 Hippodrome For Schools 19

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Fri 14 Special Event: The Coal Road C 11:30 14

Burlesque 20:00 5

Sat 15 Ramona and Beezus (U) J 11:00 17

Monsters (12A) 14:30 5

Burlesque 19:30 5

Sun 16 Monsters (12A) 14:30 5

The American (15) 19:30 5

Mon 17 Burlesque C 11:00 5

Wed 19 Burlesque 19:30 5

Thu 20 The American (15) 20:00 5

Fri 21 Hippodrome for schools

Love and Other Drugs 20:00 6

Sat 22 Legend of the Guardians (PG) J 11:00 17

Somewhere (15) 14:30 6

Love and Other Drugs 19:30 6

Sun 23 Love and Other Drugs 14:30 6

Somewhere (15) 19:30 6

Mon 24 Love and Other Drugs C 11:00 6

Wed 26 Love and Other Drugs 19:30 6

Thu 27 Another Year (12A) 20:00 6

Fri 28 Hippodrome for schools

127 Hours (15) 20:00 7

Sat 29 Igor (PG) J 11:00 17

127 Hours (15) 14:30, 19:30 7

Sun 30 127 Hours (15) 14:30 7

Sun 30 Another Year (12A) 19:30 6

Mon 31 127 Hours (15) C 11:00 7

February page

Wed 2 127 Hours (15) 19:30 7

Thu 3 The Edge of Dreaming + Q&A 19:30 14

Fri 4 The King’s Speech (15) B 10:30, 19:30 7

Sat 5 Alamar (U) J ** 11:00 18

The King’s Speech (15) 14:30 7

Special Event: Whisky Galore! Night 19:00 15

Sun 6 The Tourist 14:30 7

The King’s Speech (15) 19:30 7

Mon 7 The King’s Speech (15) C 11:00 7

Wed 9 The Tourist 20:00 7

Thu 10 The King’s Speech (15) 20:00 7

Fri 11 The Way Back 20:00 8

Sat 12 Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday (U) J 11:00 18

The Way Back 14:30 8

La Traviata (U) 19:30 10

Sun 13 La Traviata (U) 14:30 10

The Notebook (12A) 19:30 8

Mon 14 The Notebook (12A) C 11:00 8

Wed 16 Tangled 19:30 13

Thu 17 Tangled 11:00 13

The Shop Around the Corner (U) 19:30 13

Fri 18 Tangled 14:30, 19:30 13

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Sat 19 Voyage Of The Dawn Treader J 11:00 18

Tangled 14:30 13

Conviction (15) 19:30 8

Sun 20 Tangled 14:30 13

Conviction (15) 19:30 8

Mon 21 Tangled C 11:00 13

Wed 23 Hippodrome for schools

Conviction (15) 20:00 8

Thu 24 Northside + Q&A (15) 19:30 15

Fri 25 Never Let Me Go (12A) 20:00 9

Sat 26 Hercules (U) J 11:00 18

Never Let Me Go (12A) 14:30 9

The Dilemma 19:30 9

Sun 27 The Dilemma 14:30 9

Never Let Me Go (12A) 19:30 9

Mon 28 Never Let Me Go (12A) C 11:00 9

March page

Wed 2 The Dilemma 20:00 9

Thu 3 Never Let Me Go (12A) 19:30 9

C Cuppa screenings Café opens at 10:30 for tea/coffee and cake. Screening starts at 11:00. Ticket price £5.25 includes refreshments. £2.60 for film only.

B Baby Friendly screenings start at 10:30. Bring your baby free (up to 18 months) and enjoy the film without worrying about any noise your wee one may make. All tickets £4.00.

J Jeely Jars start at 11:00. All tickets £2.10. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. In the Hippodrome’s heyday youngsters could get their cinema ticket in exchange for a jeely jar. We have named our Saturday morning screenings of well-loved family films and kids’ classics in honour of this tradition. Once a season we’ll give you the chance to revive the custom (see below).

Look out for the Jeely Jar Special** when you can bring a clean jeely jar with matching lid and get two tickets for the price of one. The jars will be re-used for jam-making in the Georgian Kitchen at Callendar House.

AD Audio Description service for blind or partially sighted people which supplies a spoken description of action not revealed by the film’s dialogue. Pick up your headphones from the Hippodrome staff.

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ion Tickets (unless otherwise stated)

Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5.25

Concessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.00

Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14.40 (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children)

Super Saver Ticket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18.00

Super Saver Concession. . . . . . . . . . £13.60

Cuppa with refreshments . . . . . . . . £5.25 Cuppa film on its own . . . . . . . . . . . £2.60

Baby Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.00

Jeely Jar Screenings . . . . . . . . . . . . £2.10

Concessions

Concession tickets are available for children under 16 years, unemployed in receipt of benefits, full-time students, OAPs, Young Scot Card Holders and Falkirk Council Leisure Card holders. Proof of concession eligibility must be shown before purchase.

Super Saver Tickets

Four tickets to four films £18.00 (£13.60 concessions). All four tickets must be purchased together in advance (this offer excludes Jeely Jar Screenings, Cuppas, Baby Friendly and Special Events).

Please Note: Smoking is not permitted in the Hippodrome.

Orange Wednesdays

Orange Wednesdays give you 2 cinema tickets for the price of 1, at Wednesday screenings.

From your Orange phone either:

Text ‘FILM’ to 241 and Orange will send you your ticket by text (cost of text 35p); call 241 from your Orange phone; go to Orange World, select ‘Film’ then ‘Orange Wednesdays’.

Also available for Orange home broadband or dial-up customers and Orange mobile broadband customers.

For full terms and conditions and more information please go to www.orange.co.uk/orangewednesdays

Box Office and Booking Information

The Hippodrome Box Office is open Saturdays 10:15am - 2:30pm, and also opens 45 minutes before, and closes 15 minutes after the start of each screening. There is usually no need to book, but tickets can be booked in advance during the open hours OR from the Steeple Box Office (Tel: 01324 506850), Monday to Saturday, 9:30am - 4:45pm. Telephone bookings are subject to a 50p booking fee.

Refunds

Tickets will not be exchanged or money refunded after purchase except in the event of cancellation of screening/activity by Falkirk Council.

Refreshments

The Hippodrome Café and Licensed Bar opens 45 minutes before each screening and closes at the start of the screening. Popcorn, ice-cream, sweets, tea, coffee and soft drinks are available from the Café. Beer, wine, and spirits are available from the Licensed Bar. Please note: Children and young people are not permitted to approach the bar. No person under the age of 18 years is permitted to purchase alcohol. Proof of age may be requested. Only food and drink purchased on the premises may be consumed.

Access

• 3 wheelchair spaces on lower floor • accessible toilet • infra red sound transmission • induction loop (in cinema and at box office)

Please advise Box Office staff of any access requirements when booking.

Baby changing facility

A baby changing room is located on the ground floor.

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ionHow to get to Bo’ness

By Car: Bo’ness lies on the south bank of the Firth of Forth. Travelling from the west, exit the M9 at J5 onto the A905 then take the A904 into Bo’ness. From the east, exit at J3 onto the A803 then take the A904 into Bo’ness.

By Bus: There are bus services to Bo’ness from Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Bathgate, Falkirk, Stirling, Cumbernauld and Glasgow. The services are operated by First Edinburgh. Call Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 22 33 for bus timetables or visit www.travelinescotland.com

By Train: The nearest station to Bo’ness is Linlithgow, which is served by trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling/Dunblane. Details of services are available from National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Parking: The Hippodrome is within easy walking distance of Bo’ness Town Centre car parks.

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The Hippodrome

Parking

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Edinburgh J3 M9

GlasgowJ5 M9/M876/Grangemouth/

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Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway

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Firth of Forth

Mailing List: Don’t miss a thing: join our free mailing list. Send you name, email and/or full postal address to: hippodrome@falkirk.gov.uk or write to Freepost RSBJ-JUSL-CEJC, The Steeple Box Office, High Street, Falkirk FK1 1NW.

Let us know what you’re interested in (film, visual arts / museum exhibitions, live performances: drama, music, comedy).

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