STEPHEN Sondheim’s legendary musical is being staged for the first time at the National Theatre and broadcast live at Salisbury Arts Centre.

New York, 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves.

Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies, in this new production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 21, it’s directed by Dominic Cooke (The Comedy of Errors).

Winner of Academy, Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards, Sondheim’s previous work includes A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George.

National Theatre Live: Follies will be broadcast tonight (Thursday, November 16) at 7pm, doors open at 5.45pm.

The second programme from Britain on Film on Tour is an evocative exploration of the countryside of the UK, taking in the diverse and beautiful landscapes of all our home nations.

Britain on Film: Rural Life takes audiences down the country lanes of the past, meandering through the dwindling customs of another era. Relive the work of the local blacksmith preparing shoes for the horses that will plough the fields and the shepherd’s trials as he protects his flock from an encroaching storm. Be swept up in the homemade entertainment and giggles of children at the country fair and the joyful freedoms of the dance in the village hall.

Meet the arts centre’s dementia champion from 10.30am and after the screening.

The dementia-friendly screening of Britain on Film: Rural Life is on Wednesday (November 22) at 11am. Doors open at 10am.

For tickets or more information call the box office on 01722 321744 or go to salisburyartscentre.co.uk.