Forgetten film era recreated in Tauranga

Kimberley Cleland from Night Owl Cinema is all set for the big film night. Photo/John Borren

Experience the early days of cinema for one night at Baycourt.

Night Owl Cinema and Baycourt Theatre want to take you back in time ... to the days when movies were silent, laden with physical comedy and accompanied by music such as that from the Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

The Speakeasy Silent Cinema will be a different cinematic experience with the silent movie Steamboat Bill Jr (featuring Buster Keaton) and Ron Clark from Auckland being the "one-man orchestra", doing the musical score and sounds.

Baycourt Theatre manager Megan Peacock Coyle says it will be transformed into a speakeasy bar and cinema for the night - and people are encouraged to dress up in the spirit of the 1920s.

Keaton was considered one of the great comic actors and his influence on physical comedy is rivalled only by fellow thespian Charlie Chaplin.

The Might Wurli is a perfect accompaniment to the film.

Night Owl Cinema is known for its monthly outdoor community cinema at Mount Drury. It has been looking for opportunities to highlight great places and people over winter.

"We found the Speakeasy Silent Cinema event is perfect for this," says Kimberley Cleland.

"Inspired by the era of the Mighty Wurlitzer organ we wanted to recreate the feel of a speakeasy bar in the 1920s."

The details:
- Steamboat Bill Jr featuring Buster Keaton
- Baycourt
- Saturday
- Tickets $20-29 Ticketek and Baycourt Theatre office