The film shows are starting again this Friday with Mr Burton, a drama drawing on the early life of one of the UK’s most famous actors, Richard Burton, who became a huge Hollywood star, married (twice!) to the equally famous Elizabeth Taylor. But the Mr Burton of the title is Phillip Burton, a S Wales school master who spotted and encouraged the talent of his young pupil.

Here’s sample of what the critics have said  –

 Richard Burton’s unlikely history shines a light on the man behind the magic.

Striking period drama about an inspirational teacher and his star student, that asks a question always worth asking, what makes a great actor?

Toby Jones is moving as the theatre-loving teacher who instilled Shakespeare’s religion in his student. His performance can handle anything.

Lawtey is the true star of the piece, a mesmerising presence both in early scenes as the rough-around-the-edges pupil and in latter stages of the narrative, when his volatile personality threatens to derail a thespian career before it’s barely begun.

Jones can signify more with a gently furrowed brow than most performers can at full fury — which very nearly makes this film into an implicit essay on contrasting acting styles.

Mr Burton prioritises one Burton over the other, and you’ll probably come away with a dozen questions. But it’s never boring, and Jones and Lawtey make for a lovely duo. Perfect viewing for a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Marc Evans’s film is a lovely thing…[Toby] Jones and [Leslie] Manville are predictably excellent.

So come and join your old village friends and bring some new ones with you. Tickets £8 from the village shop or on the door – to include your first gas of wine /beer/cider/apple juice and plentiful nibbles.

Sue Isherwood