For the first time in a documentary film, the remarkable story of British composer George Butterworth (1885 – 1916), his music, life and times. Drawing on newly uncovered archival treasures, including the letters and memoirs of those who knew him best, ALL MY LIFE’S BURIED HERE is the compelling account of a pioneering British composer, musician, folk song collector and dancer cut down in his prime on the battlefield of the Somme.
ALL MY LIFE'S BURIED HERE aims to remove the thick gauze of history to reveal the true context of Butterworth's life by illuminating his story with a treasure trove of archival materials. This is a biographical portrait documentary that aims to bring about deeper understanding of Butterworth's life and work.
The film is the result of more than three years spent securing exclusive access to all known George Butterworth archive collections and to Butterworth's surviving family members, as well as travelling throughout the UK and northern France to interview the contributors best able to add context to a narrative of Butterworth's life. Along the way the filmmakers have uncovered some fascinating new information about Butterworth's life and work which appear in the documentary.
This film does not feature celebrity presenters expressing just how much Butterworth means to them, nor are we confronted by experts telling us how we should listen to Butterworth's music. Instead audiences will be invited to enter the emotional heart of Butterworth's story in order to emerge with a better understanding of this unique figure.
We accompany Butterworth on his folk song collecting trips into the countryside with Ralph Vaughan Williams and find out about what motivated this quest and who the singers really were. We experience all of Butterworth's best known orchestral works and song settings courtesy of classic performances under conductor (and friend of Butterworth) Sir Adrian Boult, and exclusive new live performances by leading vocalist Roderick Williams. We hear contemporary criticism of performances of his works and discover what led Butterworth to destroy so much of his own music before his death. We follow Butterworth all the way to the front line through his letters home and are present with him right up to his tragic demise. Added to this are unique insights from family recollections and the memoirs of those who knew him, as well incisive contributions from a selection of present day commentators, plus a soundtrack of outstanding music.
Here is a feature documentary rich in content, comprehensive in scope, packed with emotion and crafted in a style that reflects the character of its subject.
The film will be followed by a Q&A session with Anthony Murphy, George Butterworth’s biographer and one of the main interviewees in the film.
£5
Please note, online bookings are subject to a booking fee. Tickets can also be bought by phone on 01729 825718, or in person at our box office. Opening hours are 10am-2pm, Monday-Friday.
Show end times given are an estimate only. Doors open 45 minutes before show start times.
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