FOLLOWING the sell-out success of their special festive screening of Disney’s Frozen in 2014, the events team at the Bacon Theatre in Cheltenham have once again pulled out all the stops for the perfect fun-filled afternoon for the whole family this Winter.

The Dean Close School venue is set to be taken over by a little bear from the deepest, darkest Peru, as Paddington (PG) bursts onto the big screen on December 21 and 22, complete with a Santa’s grotto to visit before each film.

The first of these screenings has been set aside as a autism-friendly event, when families from all over the county will be welcomed to join a relaxed cinema experience, with chill out areas in the theatre reception areas and softer sound levels for the film itself, plus a dull light in the auditorium so that children are able to come and go as they please.

Adapted from the children’s books by Michael Bond, Paddington follows the comic misadventures of a polite young bear, voiced by Ben Whishaw. The star-studded cast includes Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon and Matt Lucas.

Jess Waterman from The Bacon Theatre, said: “This year we have chosen a film we hope everyone will relish and we have expanded the experience to include a second screening for our autistic audience to enjoy also. For both events, our team looks forward to welcoming the whole family to meet Santa Claus before settling down to watch this cracking film favourite.”

  • Paddington at The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP is on Monday, December 21 (autism-friendly performance) and Tuesday, December 22 from 4pm (film 5pm). Tickets cost £7 (to include a treat from Santa). Box Office 01242 258002.