Bridge of Spies writer answers questions at special Capitol screening

There may have been no red carpet, but there was the baby-sitter, the man who printed the earliest posters for plays, as well as family and friends from across the region to celebrate and acknowledge the work of Matt Charman, scriptwriter for the outstanding Steven Spielberg film Bridge of Spies.
Matt CharmanMatt Charman
Matt Charman

The special film screening, organised by Horsham Museum and held at The Capitol, raised nearly £1,000 to help preserve the museum’s poster collection.

What made the evening so special was not only the Question and Answer session Matt gave at the end of the film, but the genuine sense that this was an event that friends and family could enjoy.

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Even Toovey’s, who kindly supported the evening by supplying the champagne, has a ‘Charman’ working among the staff.

The beard gave it away when mentioned, an in-family joke that was commented on at the reception!

Ben Morris, of All About Horsham undertook the compère duties because he went to Forest Boys School with Matt. This led to a very relaxed atmosphere.

Some who had followed Matt’s career from The Capitol theatre where his plays were first performed, through to the West End and TV shows, actively asked questions.

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Matt thought they were going to be easy, but they actually wanted to know the real processes he experienced, and his innermost thoughts at various points.

Matt’s answers highlighted the fun, the pathos and real meaning of the film, which is based on a true, but largely forgotten,story.

In fact, when in New York, Matt actually saw the film with the real children of the character Donovan, (played by Tom Hanks). He sensed he had an obligation to tell the story correctly and wanted them to feel proud of the film too.

It was an evening the likes of which Horsham may never see again; though with all the projects Matt is now involved with, we can never say never again.

But this was the first, and one that Matt really enjoyed.

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As for the film and Matt’s work: Matt’s name coming second after Steven Spielberg in the credits shows his importance to the film, story and popular cultural event of 2015.

The evening was made possible by collaboration between Horsham District Council’s Horsham Museum and The Capitol.

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