The team at arthouse experts Hitchin Films are reaching back in time this weekend to help stage a showing of the 1925 silent movie classic The Phantom Of The Opera in the town’s St Mary’s Church.

But after the Saturday night heritage showing to raise funds to maintain the landmark building, it’s back to what they do best – bringing arthouse cinema hits to town for a discerning audience.

The next presentation at the town’s Queen Mother Theatre is on Wednesday, January 28 when the spotlight will be on Pavel Pawlikowski’s much-praised Ida, a 12A feature about a would-be nun who discovers just before she takes her vows that she has Jewish heritage, and embarks with a relative on a journey to trace her roots.

Then it’s back to the Market Theatre in Sun Street on Tuesday, February 3, for Ken Loach’s moving monochrome documentary Spirit Of 45, a passionate examination of Britain’s postwar rebirth and the foundation of the National Health Service.

It was hailed as the best film at the 2013 London film festival and you can find out why on your doorstep.

Tickets are £5 on the door, with a limited number available for advance booking at www.hitchinfilms.co.uk.