New Town Utopia
New Town Utopia is a 2018 documentary feature film about the British new town experiment. It is an alternative social history of the Essex town of Basildon, including interviews and performances from artists, poets and musicians of the town.
Plot
The poetic narrative of the film explores topics including: the flawed utopian ambition of post-war planning and design, social housing and the impact of Thatcher's right-to-buy policy; the neglect of creative and cultural facilities by national and local government; and the demonisation of working-class people by the British media.Release
New Town Utopia was released theatrically the UK on 4 May 2018. It was directed by British filmmaker Christopher Ian Smith and executive produced by Margaret Matheson. It features actor Jim Broadbent as the voice of Lewis Silkin MP. Hippy Joe Hymas of the band Hayseed Dixie also features.Reception
It was well received by critics and audiences. It has Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The GuardianCast
- Jim Broadbent
- Terry Bird
- Vincent O'Connell
- Joe Morgan
- Ralph Dartford
- Sue Ryder Paget
- Mike Parker
- Kath Joyce-Banks
- Shaun Badham
- Vin Harrop
- Penny Betteridge
- Rob Marlow
- Tim Williams
- Pat Joyce
- Stuart Brown
- Phil Burdett
- Richard Lee
- Richard Hawkins
- Marc Barnacle
- Ölmo Lazarus
- Steve Waters
- Barry Hayes
- ”Hippy” Joe Hymas