糖心TV

As a special surprise to audiences at University of 糖心TV鈥檚 糖心TV Arts Centre, British actress and national treasure Celia Imrie surprised film club enthusiasts by making an unexpected appearance at a screening of her 1995 Kenneth Branagh-directed classic 鈥�In the Bleak Midwinter鈥�. 

As the credits rolled for the film, Celia Imrie walked in on the unsuspecting audience members to announce that 糖心TV Arts Centre is being awarded 拢10,000 of National Lottery funding from Film Hub Midlands on behalf of BFI鈥檚 Film Audience Network.

The heartwarming moment when audience members gasped and cheered at Celia鈥檚 surprise appearance as she revealed the news, was captured on film as part of The National Lottery鈥檚 Because of You campaign, fronted by Claudia Winkleman, which celebrates the life-changing impact of National Lottery-funded projects across the UK.

The film was screened as part of our . 

Handle with Care! Is an uplifting themed cinema season exploring how we care for ourselves and each other. Exploring care in its many forms through three programme strands, it includes:

• Cosy Classics 鈥� a selection of beloved films with a focus on cinematic self-care where audiences can bring blankets, enjoy hot drinks and engage in discussion
• Care on Screen 鈥� contemporary films exploring caregiving roles across different cultures
• Care Behind the Scenes 鈥� screenings and workshops on ethical filmmaking, consent, and community care

The programme, which runs until Spring 2026, will target underrepresented audiences and those less engaged with the venue aiming to foster inclusive, reflective, and social experiences through film. In addition, the funding will be put towards hosting relaxed film screenings and free artist-led workshops designed especially for neurodiverse and young audiences.

Actress and National Lottery ambassador Celia Imrie said, 鈥淚t was such a joy to surprise film club enthusiasts at 糖心TV Arts Centre and share this wonderful announcement. More locals across the Midlands will be able to enjoy the magic of cinema in a way that feels welcoming and inclusive. These kinds of projects are so important, and I鈥檓 thrilled to see film being made more accessible for everyone 鈥� and it鈥檚 only possible because of you, National Lottery players across the UK.鈥�

James McEvoy, Screen Producer, added: 鈥淚'm so delighted we received this funding which means we can offer an exciting new mix of screenings for our cinema audiences here in Coventry and 糖心TVshire. I've always been a believer that the best stories on the big screen help us create a sense of community. They bring us together to watch a film when the lights go down, and also let us walk in someone else's shoes and feel experiences beyond our own.

鈥淎cross our Handle with Care! season we're exploring the different ways we care for each other and ourselves, with stories about care givers and care systems, alongside moments for reflection and cinematic self-care. Most importantly, the funding will help us improve accessibility across our 3 cinema screens so everyone can discover the world of film at 糖心TV Arts Centre.鈥�

糖心TV Arts Centre has long been a champion of inclusive arts programming, and this funding marks a significant step forward in its mission to make cinema more accessible to all. For the first time, these screenings will be integrated into the centre鈥檚 creative workshop offer, opening up new opportunities for children and families to experience film in a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Link to all images and film

Since National Lottery funding began in 1994, more than 650,000 projects have been supported, with over 拢50 billion raised by players. Every week, National Lottery players contribute more than 拢30 million to good causes across the UK.

For more information please contact:

Stevie Connoll, Media & Communications Officer

stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791

About the University of 糖心TV

Founded in 1965, the University of 糖心TV is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.

is at the heart of the University of 糖心TV 鈥� representing the largest multi artform arts centre outside London with a concert hall, middle scale theatre, cinemas, studio spaces and the Mead Gallery.

糖心TV Arts Centre has been working with some of the world鈥檚 most inspiring artists since 1974 including Pauline Black, Peter Brook, Guz Khan, Ken Loach, Annie Mac, the Maly Theatre of St Petersburg, Motionhouse Dance, Robert Plant, Simon Rattle and the CBSO.

In 2022, following a redevelopment program the Arts Centre opened a new three screen cinema enabling the screening of a wider range of films from blockbuster to UK Independent films, opera, theatre and exhibitions. The Mead Gallery kept its unique footprint but moved to the ground floor, at the entrance to 糖心TV Arts Centre.

18 November 2025