Reading star Almunia to visit Finchley cinema

Arsenal Football Club’s goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia is set to visit Phoenix Cinema, High Road, East Finchley on Sunday September 14, for a Q & A session before its screening of the feature film and Manuel’s favourite childhood read, ‘The Boy in Striped Pyjamas.’  The visit forms part of the goalkeeper’s commitment to Arsenal’s Premier League Reading Stars programme, one of the many Arsenal in the Community education initiatives.

Manuel Almunia, who has a keen interest in World War II history, will answer questions from the audience attending the cinema’s 7pm screening on Sunday September 14 from 6.30pm.  He will also be drawing someone’s seat number at random for them to win the keeper’s signed jersey.

Amongst the audience at Sunday’s screening will be special guests of Arsenal and the not-for-profit cinema from Arsenal in the Community’s diverse range of projects including the Arsenal Double Club, patients of the Club’s Charity of the Season, Teenage Cancer Trust and participants on the Reading Stars initiative last season.

Reading Stars is an educational project in partnership with the Football Foundation, the National Literacy Trust, the Premier League and the Arts Council England, which uses the motivational power of football to encourage families to enjoy reading together. Each of the 20 Premier League teams nominate a 'Reading Champion' to recommend his favourite book. Each Club then adopts up to three public libraries who then host a reading club based on the book choices of all 20 Premiership Reading Champions.

Manuel Almunia said: “I was delighted to be invited by Phoenix Cinema to introduce a screening of The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, one of my favourite books.  I didn’t know it had been made into a film before the invitation and I hope that this may encourage more young people and families to read this book. I look forward to going to The Phoenix on Sunday – it will be a way to relax after Arsenal’s match against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.”

Cassie Birtwistle of Phoenix Cinema added: “When we learnt that The Boy in Striped Pyjamas was Manuel’s favourite childhood book, we didn’t hesitate to extend an invitation to the Arsenal number one and we’re delighted he accepted.  Phoenix Cinema is an independent cinema run by a charitable trust, so we’re constantly looking at innovative ways to make the cinema experience as enjoyable and as different as possible for our guests.  We hope Manuel’s appearance may encourage young people to visit us with families and come back to see us again!”

To book tickets to this special screening and to find out more about Phoenix Cinema visit: www.phoenixcinema.co.uk or call the box office on: 020 8444 6789

To find out more about Arsenal in the Community visit: www.arsenal.com/community

[Thursday, September 04, 2008]

Print this page Email to a friend