Now that the Phoenix Cinema is up and running again, the Phoenix Freddies are back and in full celluloid swing. You'd be mad to let your kids go without this cinematic weekend treat.

This Saturday, children between the ages of six and 11 can take part in a workshop run by film education specialist Corinna Downing of the British Film Institute. It might cover anything from animation, costume design, drama or writing storyboards.

Beginning at 11am, the workshop costs £4.50 and lasts an hour. It holds a maximum of 20 children and places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Following the workshop at noon, the 1953 film The 5,000 Fingers of Dr T, is shown.

The enchanting story about a boy called Bart who has an ambition to play an oversized grand piano and needs 500 boys to help him is the only live action musical based on a Dr Seuss book. Tickets to the film are £3.

So, as Prince Charles would have it, drag the youngsters away from their game consoles and Saturday morning TV screens and take them down to London's oldest purpose-built cinema in High Road, East Finchley, for a creative morning of learning and fun.

Call the box office on 020 8444 6783 for more information.

July 4, 2002 11:00