Winding down at the Lodge in the South Lakes this weekend, we took time out to see Mr Turner at the cinema in Ambleside last night. It turned out to be at the Studio theatre above the restaurant Fellini. Despite it screening at 5pm it was quite well attended. The majority were retirees trooping in with their half bottles of Sauv Blanc and Sanatogen and nestling in for a couple of hours entertainment. If we could call it entertainment. The film itself was quite dark as it focussed on the self obsessed JMW Turner, played by Timothy Spall. Let me say from the outset that Spall was terrific. The darkness of the film emanated from Turners self obsession and his inability to communicate not only with his family, but also his contemporaries at the Royal Academy.

A highlight for me was the appearance of Kate O’Flynn as a prostitute named Eliza. Kate is a product of Summerseat Players Youth Group and a fine actor. Her lead in “Children’s Hour” at the Royal Exchange in Manchester some time ago was truly scary and mesmeric.