DOWNTON star Maggie Smith swaps her usual palatial splendour for a vile vehicle in the hit comedy, The Lady in the Van (Cert 12A)

This film adaptation of Alan Bennett’s celebrated memoir tells the true story of the relationship between him and Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins who ‘temporarily’ parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years.

Their unique story is funny, poignant and life-affirming. The film also stars Jim Broadbent, Roger Allam, Frances de la Tour, James Corden, Alex Jennings and Dominic Cooper.

This special performance has been organised by the Regal Film Society in Minehead and is the first film to be screened on the newly installed digital cinema package.

Tuesday, January 26. Refreshments, including wine, will be available in the Regal bar from 7 pm onwards.