13 by Mike Bartlett

An identical, terrifying dream haunts Londoners in the midst of economic gloom and ineffective protest. Whilst the prime minister considers a preventative war, a young man returns home with a vision of the future.

Coincidences, omens and visions collide with a political reality in this epic play by the award-winning Mike Bartlett. Set in a dark and magical landscape, it depicts a London both familiar and strange: a London staring into the void.

Duration: 2hrs 10 (including 15 minute interval)

Ahmet, a 15-year-old boy from a remote Yörük village in North Macedonia, finds refuge in music while navigating his father’s expectations, a conservative community, and his first experience with love — a girl already promised to someone else.

Winner of both the Audience Award and the Special Jury Award for Creative Vision at the Sundance Film Festival 2025, the coming-of-age drama follows 15-year-old Ahmet, a boy growing up in a remote Yörük village in North Macedonia who finds freedom and self-expression through dance music while navigating family expectations, tradition, and first love.

Following its international festival run, including screenings at the BFI London Film Festival, 'DJ AHMET' arrives in Hitchin.

Review:         https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/26/dj-ahmet-review-totally-charming-tale-of-teen-travails-in-north-macedonia

Trailer:         https://youtu.be/SofbFdcQ29w?si=axPyfPfMCFE-vjj9

Golden Boy

by Clifford Odets

directed by Sam Yates

Josh O’Connor (The Crown; Challengers) leads the cast in this searing revival of Clifford Odets’ knockout American classic.  Also stars Hayley Squires and Daniel Mays.

1930s New York, at the height of the Depression.   Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing.   He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side.

Brought to life with a live string quartet and filmed live from the Almeida Theatre, Olivier Award-winner Sam Yates (Vanya) directs this propulsive drama exploring ambition, identity, and the high price of success.  

Running Time:        180 minutes (with interval)