Canongate are delighted to announce a very special one-off event, hosted at BFI Southbank by Mark Kermode, to celebrate the life and work of actor Alan Rickman. The event will take place on 2nd October, marking the publication of Madly, Deeply: The Alan Rickman Diaries two days later.
Alan Rickman was an exceptional performer and human being, much loved by his fellow actors and the public. This event, produced by Hedda Archbold at HLA Agency, will remember his life and work. Alongside some of Rickman's most celebrated moments on screen and excerpts from his diaries, the evening will feature some very special guests talking about their friendship and work with him, including Emma Thompson, Harriet Walter, Ian McKellen, Juliet Stevenson, Lindsay Duncan, Eddie Izzard, Stanley Tucci, Tom Burke, Dexter Fletcher and more. It will be followed by a special screening of Anthony Minghella’s brilliant, funny and deeply touching film about coping with loss Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990) starring Alan Rickman and Juliet Stevenson.
Handwritten, starting in the early '90s and kept for the rest of his life, the 27 volumes of Alan’s diaries paint a rare portrait of a world class actor, a tireless political activist, an avid traveller and a devoted friend. They have been edited by Alan Taylor into a single volume, with a foreword by Emma Thompson and will be published by Canongate on 4th October 2022 priced £25. An unabridged audiobook edition will be published simultaneously, read by celebrated actor, and Alan’s godson, Tom Burke.
Tickets to the event – priced at £25 (£20 concessions)– went on sale to BFI Patrons and Champions on Monday August 1st, releases to BFI members on Tuesday August 2nd and to the public on Thursday August 4th. A joint ticket with the screening of Truly, Madly, Deeply will also be available.
“Canongate are thrilled to be partnering with the BFI for this very special launch event. It’s an opportunity to not only launch this wonderful book but also celebrate the remarkable life and career of Alan Rickman. The response we have had to the book so far, and the love in which Alan was held, is reflected in the evening’s stellar line-up. It will be a unique experience.” - Simon Thorogood, Editorial Director, Canongate
“As a lifelong admirer of Alan Rickman I feel honoured and delighted to produce a tribute to his life and work hosted by Mark Kermode. Some of Rickman's closest friends and fellow actors will gather to remember and celebrate him. Their reminiscences, interlaced with movie clips and diary excepts, will remind us how exceptional Alan was. It promises to be moving, joyous and uplifting.” - Hedda Archbold, Producer, HLA Agency
“Alan Rickman was a hugely accomplished actor and director and the BFI is delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate his significant career and outstanding contribution to the industry by hosting this event to tie in with the publishing of his diaries. That so many of his peers will attend the evening, to reflect on his career and legacy, is testament to his incredible talent.” – Justin Johnson, BFI Lead Programmer
