Heritage Playhouse: FILM SHOWING:: The Old Oak

UK 2023, 113 min, Drama
Director: Ken Loach

Starring: Dave Turner, Ebla Mari, Claire Rodgerson

The Old Oak is the last pub standing in a once thriving mining village in northern England, a gathering space for a community that has fallen on hard times. There is growing anger, resentment, and a lack of hope among the residents, but the pub and its proprietor TJ (Dave Turner) are a fond presence to their customers. The arrival of a group of Syrian refugees sparks initial resentment among the villagers, which unexpectedly shifts to acceptance as the villagers come to recognize the humanity of their new residents.

This is director Ken Loach’s final film and arguably his most poignant.

WARNING: This story takes place in a modern working-class community in Northern England. As you might expect some of the characters use profane language.