One of Yorkshire’s own sons with a professional career spanning fifty years, it’s no wonder that the Pictureville Cinema at Bradford Media Museum was sold out on the of his return to Bradford for the first time since filming Billy Liar in 1963. In the intimate surroundings, guests were treated to an insight into Sir Tom’s life in his own words, as he took part in a conversation with the festival’s co-director, Neil Young. The ninety-minute event was teamed with a rare screening of one of Sir Tom’s seminal works, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, which he also revealed was the favourite role he has undertaken. A charismatic and charming individual, Sir Tom regaled the audience with anecdotes about his time in both film and the theatre, speaking about his friend Albert Finney and the experience of working with Dustin Hoffman on his latest film, Quartet.

The ninety minute event felt much shorter, as the conversation between Tom and Neil flowed easily, and the audience very much included, as it never really felt like a staged event; more informal and relaxed, which gave everyone a real chance to enjoy the event. Whilst it was slightly surreal to be sitting mere metres from an Oscar nominee, it was impossible to not be captivated by Sir Tom’s tales, spanning from his days as a wide-eyed student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts to introducing legendary actor Omar Sharif to Hull City FC. Choosing to screen such a rare but important film as an accompaniment to the event also proves why Bradford Film Festival is one of the most innovative and exciting film events in Britain, providing audiences with a chance to see a great film unavailable on DVD and rarely screened even worldwide.

A highly enjoyable evening with one of the most underrated British actors around, Sir Tom Courtenay was a delight to listen to and a true inspiration for any Yorkshire man (or indeed woman) who longs to work in the theatre or in film.

Hannah Woodhead