As a special surprise to audiences at University of Warwick's Warwick Arts Centre, British actress and national treasure Celia Imrie surprised film club enthusiasts by making an unexpected appearance at a screening of her 1995 Kenneth Branagh-directed classic 'In the Bleak Midwinter'.
As the credits rolled for the film, Celia Imrie walked in on the unsuspecting audience members to announce that Warwick Arts Centre is being awarded £10,000 of National Lottery funding from Film Hub Midlands on behalf of BFI's Film Audience Network.
The heartwarming moment when audience members gasped and cheered at Celia's surprise appearance as she revealed the news, was captured on film as part of The National Lottery's Because of You campaign, fronted by Claudia Winkleman, which celebrates the life-changing impact of National Lottery-funded projects across the UK.
The film was screened as part of our Handle with Care! Cinema season.
Handle with Care! Is an uplifting themed cinema season exploring how we care for ourselves and each other. Exploring care in its many forms through three programme strands, it includes:
- Cosy Classics - a selection of beloved films with a focus on cinematic self-care where audiences can bring blankets, enjoy hot drinks and engage in discussion
- Care on Screen - contemporary films exploring caregiving roles across different cultures
- Care Behind the Scenes - screenings and workshops on ethical filmmaking, consent, and community care
The programme, which runs until Spring 2026, will target underrepresented audiences and those less engaged with the venue aiming to foster inclusive, reflective, and social experiences through film. In addition, the funding will be put towards hosting relaxed film screenings and free artist-led workshops designed especially for neurodiverse and young audiences.
Actress and National Lottery ambassador Celia Imrie said, "It was such a joy to surprise film club enthusiasts at Warwick Arts Centre and share this wonderful announcement. More locals across the Midlands will be able to enjoy the magic of cinema in a way that feels welcoming and inclusive. These kinds of projects are so important, and I'm thrilled to see film being made more accessible for everyone - and it's only possible because of you, National Lottery players across the UK."
James McEvoy, Screen Producer, added: "I'm so delighted we received this funding which means we can offer an exciting new mix of screenings for our cinema audiences here in Coventry and Warwickshire. I've always been a believer that the best stories on the big screen help us create a sense of community. They bring us together to watch a film when the lights go down, and also let us walk in someone else's shoes and feel experiences beyond our own.
"Across our Handle with Care! season we're exploring the different ways we care for each other and ourselves, with stories about care givers and care systems, alongside moments for reflection and cinematic self-care. Most importantly, the funding will help us improve accessibility across our 3 cinema screens so everyone can discover the world of film at Warwick Arts Centre."
Warwick Arts Centre has long been a champion of inclusive arts programming, and this funding marks a significant step forward in its mission to make cinema more accessible to all. For the first time, these screenings will be integrated into the centre's creative workshop offer, opening up new opportunities for children and families to experience film in a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment.
Notes
Link to all images HERE and film HERE
Since National Lottery funding began in 1994, more than 650,000 projects have been supported, with over £50 billion raised by players. Every week, National Lottery players contribute more than £30 million to good causes across the UK.
