Residents in Calne and the surrounding villages will once again be able to watch world-class theatre, ballet and opera on the big screen without having to travel further afield.
Benson Hall in Compton Bassett has announced its 2026-27 season of streamed performances, bringing productions from National Theatre Live, The Royal Ballet & Opera and New York's Metropolitan Opera to the village.
Calne has been without a cinema since its last one closed in 1969, meaning generations of local residents have grown up without a cinema on their doorstep. Benson Hall now offers a local alternative just a few minutes away in Compton Bassett, with free parking and a fully licensed bar.
The new season begins on 22nd September with The Misanthrope, starring Sandra Oh, known internationally for her roles in Killing Eve and Grey's Anatomy.
The National Theatre Live production is a reimagining of Molière's classic dark comedy by Martin Crimp and will be screened at 7pm.
The Metropolitan Opera season then begins on 20th October with Verdi's Macbeth, starring Quinn Kelsey and acclaimed dramatic soprano Lise Davidsen.
Just a week later, on 27th October, The Royal Ballet takes over the screen with Kenneth MacMillan's Manon, exploring the conflict between love and a life of luxury.
National Theatre Live returns on 5th November with Golden Boy, starring Josh O'Connor, known for The Crown and Challengers.
Filmed live at London's Almeida Theatre, Clifford Odets' drama follows gifted violinist Joe Bonaparte as the prospect of fame and fortune draws him into the brutal world of professional boxing.
The Royal Opera follows on 10th November with Bizet's Carmen, before the programme continues into 2027 with productions including Puccini's La Fanciulla del West, Mozart's Così fan tutte, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Swan Lake and Puccini's Tosca.
Benson Hall installed its cinema equipment in 2024, transforming the village hall into an event-cinema venue with a 165-inch professional cinema widescreen, 4K Ultra High Definition projection and Dolby Atmos sound.
Benson Hall describes the screen as the largest cinema screen serving Calne and the surrounding area.
The screenings have already attracted audiences from Compton Bassett, Calne and communities across the surrounding area.
Paul Rossiter, Chair of Benson Hall, said: “When we installed the cinema equipment, our ambition was to create something genuinely different for the local community.”
He added: “Calne hasn't had its own cinema for a number of years, so people generally have to travel to Chippenham or Devizes. We can now offer a high-quality local alternative right here in Compton Bassett.”
“The 165-inch screen, 4K projection and Dolby Atmos sound mean the experience is probably not what most people expect when they first hear the words 'village hall'. Add free parking and a fully licensed bar and it makes for a very relaxed evening out.”
“There is still something rather special about sitting in Compton Bassett and, a few moments later, finding yourself watching a performance from Covent Garden, the National Theatre or the Metropolitan Opera in New York.”
“The response to the screenings has been fantastic and we're expecting this new season to be our most popular yet.”
The 2026-27 Programme
22nd September 2026 – National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope
Sandra Oh stars in Martin Crimp's reimagining of Molière's classic dark comedy. 7pm
20th October 2026 – Metropolitan Opera: Macbeth
Verdi's Shakespearean tragedy starring Quinn Kelsey and Lise Davidsen. 6.30pm
27th October 2026 – Royal Ballet: Manon
Kenneth MacMillan's celebrated ballet exploring the conflict between love and a life of luxury. 6.30pm
5th November 2026 – National Theatre Live: Golden Boy
Josh O'Connor stars in Clifford Odets' American classic, filmed live from the Almeida Theatre. 7pm
10th November 2026 – Royal Opera: Carmen
Bizet's opera in Damiano Michieletto's production. 6.30pm
26th January 2027 – Metropolitan Opera: La Fanciulla del West
Puccini's Wild West drama in a new staging by British director Richard Jones. 6.30pm
23rd February 2027 – Royal Opera: Così fan tutte
Mozart's comedy of manners reimagined by director Netia Jones. 6.30pm
23rd March 2027 – Royal Ballet: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Christopher Wheeldon's colourful ballet adaptation of Lewis Carroll's much-loved story. 6.30pm
22nd April 2027 – Royal Ballet: Swan Lake
The enduring classic returns in Liam Scarlett's production for The Royal Ballet. 6.30pm
5th May 2027 – Royal Opera: Tosca
Puccini's dramatic opera in Oliver Mears' acclaimed production. 6.30pm
Tickets for the currently announced productions are priced between £13 and £16.
Further programme information and online booking are available from Benson Hall.
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