Somerset House
Thursday, 31 July – Saturday, 9 August


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The good people at Somerset House want you to have a hellacious time this month – literally. Hellboy II: The Golden Army has its People’s Premiere at the Film4 Summer Screen festival, a 10-night open-air cinema event that transforms the courtyard of a neoclassical palace into a giant, surround-sound screening room.

Guillermo del Toro, Hellboy II’s director, gets a two-flick nod with his Pan’s Labyrinth playing on 1 August. Other cinematic treats include the Kubrick classic Dr Strangelove and Singin’ in the Rain, showing off Gene Kelly’s moves in the midst of Hollywood’s dance craze.

Film4 is complemented by Behind the Screen, a string of talks, screenings and exhibits (including the art installation Piazza di Spagna by photographer Massimo Vitali and director Mike Figgis). Head to Somerset House early for DJ sessions and a bite of food, because everyone knows good movies should be watched with good snacks.