Christopher Eccleston at Desert Island Flicks: Tyneside Cinema in conversation with Dave Johns
Photo c. Will Osborne
Tyneside Cinema’s Desert Island Flicks series is celebrating a sell-out first year after attracting more than 850 audience members to four consecutive events featuring some of the UK’s best-known actors, comedians and performers.
The unique live format, which invites guests to share the films that have shaped their lives and careers, has welcomed James Purefoy, Stewart Lee, Bill Bailey and, most recently, Christopher Eccleston, with every event selling out.
Launched in summer 2025, Desert Island Flicks has quickly established itself as one of Tyneside Cinema’s most successful live events, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from some of Britain’s most recognisable cultural figures as they discuss the films, moments and influences that have helped define their lives and careers.
Hosted by actor and comedian Dave Johns, star of I, Daniel Blake, the series combines film clips, personal stories and audience conversation to create an intimate and entertaining evening that goes beyond a traditional Q&A.
The success of the programme demonstrates the appetite among North East audiences for opportunities to engage directly with nationally recognised creative talent without leaving the region.
Looking ahead, Tyneside Cinema has already confirmed that acclaimed actress Brenda Blethyn will be the next guest to take part in Desert Island Flicks on 27 July, with tickets expected to be in high demand following the success of the series to date. Further guest announcements will follow, including a number of leading women from the worlds of film, television and the arts, reflecting the programme’s ambition to showcase an even broader range of creative voices.
Nic Greenan, Chief Executive of Tyneside Cinema, said: “Four events, four sell-outs is a fantastic result and a real testament to the appetite for this kind of event in the North East. We’ve welcomed some incredible guests in our first year and it’s been wonderful to see audiences respond so enthusiastically. We’re excited to continue building the series and bringing more well-known creative voices to Newcastle in the future.”
Christopher Eccleston’s appearance marked another milestone for the programme, with demand for tickets matching that of previous sell-out events and reinforcing Desert Island Flicks’ growing reputation as one of the region’s most popular live cinema experiences.
Christopher Eccleston said: “The great thing about cinema is that a film can stay with you for decades and still reveal something new every time you watch it. That’s what made Desert Island Flicks such a fascinating conversation. Tyneside Cinema is a special place, and the Newcastle audience brought warmth, humour and a genuine love of film to the evening.”
Funds raised through the events also support Tyneside Cinema’s ambitions to create opportunities for young working-class talent in the North East through the Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit, supported by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, helping to nurture the next generation of creative voices.