Moonbeam Magic

This project has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This celebratory event will take place throughout the Rio Cinema and marks the 100th anniversary of the silent film MOONBEAM MAGIC starring the Bethnal Green born movie star, Mabel Poulton (sadly all copies of the film now lost).

Here are our reflections and responses to all the findings through research, heritage visits, expert talks and workshops over the last two years.

Research focus was 1918-1928 and includes the Bright Young Things and LBTQ icon Stephen Tennant with Queer Tours of London and the history of Silent Cinema and Mabel Poulton. You will find research panels, audio and screenings, live installations, 1920s fashion and the first showing of the Silent Short Film made by Unity Arts - MAYBE MOONBEAM.

This FREE ticket gains you admission to the whole exhibition and all the events and installations. Timings below may be updated as we receive more information. Come and get some sugar in your bowl!

Images by Mark Allred.

3.30pm - 9.30pm       Event Opens!  Access to exhibition and all screenings throughout the Rio. Bar open.

3.30pm - 7.30pm      Audio Installation in the Ludski Bar - Basement

3.30pm - 9.30pm      Unity Arts Documentaries - Screen 2 

4.00pm - 5.50pm    The Constant Nymph starring Mabel Poulton - Screen 1   

6.00pm - 7.00pm     Interviews with Edith Sitwell and Cecil Beaton - Screen 1

7.00pm - 7.30pm       Photos on the Red Carpet!

7.30pm - 8.30pm      MAYBE MOONBEAM (Intro & Q & A led by Caroline Cassin from Women & Cocaine) - Screen 1

8.40pm - 9.00pm    MAYBE MOONBEAM (second showing) - Screen 1

BAR OPEN until 9.30pm