Having directed both the play and film versions of Alan Bennett’s The Madness of George III, The Lady in the Van and The History Boys, Sir Nicholas Hytner has collaborated once again with the acclaimed 91-year-old scribe. But this time around, it’s an original screenplay. The Choral takes place in 1916 Yorkshire, as a controversial new choirmaster, Ralph Fiennes’ Dr Henry Guthrie, is hired to conduct a town’s choral society in a performance of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius. Reluctantly selected in desperation by Roger Allam and Mark Addy’s bumbling committee members, after the previous conductor signs up for the trenches of World War 1. Their concerns lie with Dr Guthrie’s love of German culture (he quotes in German throughout, much to the choir’s dismay) and the rumour that he is, in fact, an atheist.
The Choral kick off all very cheerful and Downton Abbey before Bennett desanitises such period quaintness for human realities, but without dispensing of the film’s gentle vibes. His script explores life, death, religion, sexuality, nationalism and general intolerance to the new or different, but all through too many characters. Meanwhile, the music scenes are where the film really shines, as Fiennes’ blunt and uncompromising lead prepares the group for their amateur performance.
Simon Russell Beale cameos as Elgar, inspecting the final rehearsal, in another wonderfully pompous role after playing the snobbish Sir Hector in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. It’s enjoyable enough while it lasts, but a largely forgettable televisual film.
The Choral is in cinemas from Friday.