DEBRA HAYWARD

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (2019)
Starring Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Joe Alwyn, Maria Dragus, Martin Compston, Jack Lowden, Guy Pearce, David Tennant, Brendan Coyle and Gemma Chan. Directed by Josie Rourke.

Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth 1. Each young Queen beholds her “sister” in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history.

REVIEWS Mary Queen of Scots - Shallow regal intrigue

BRIDGET JONES'S BABY (2016)
Starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Jim Broadbent and Emma Thompson. Directed by Sharon Maguire.

After breaking up with Mark Darcy, Bridget Jones’s "happily ever after" hasn’t quite gone according to plan. Fortysomething and single again, she decides to focus on her job as top news producer and surround herself with old friends and new. For once, Bridget has everything completely under control. What could possibly go wrong?

Then her love life takes a turn and Bridget meets a dashing American named Jack, the suitor who is everything Mr Darcy is not. In an unlikely twist she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch... she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby’s father.

REVIEWS Bridget Jones's Baby - Redemption 12 years in the making
Bridget Jones - Renee, those underpants & the unlikely heroine

LES MISÉRABLES (2012)
Starring Hugh Jackman - Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe - Javert, Amanda Seyfried - Cosette, Anne Hathaway - Fantine, Sacha Baron Cohen - ThÉnardier, Helena Bonham Carter - ThÉnardier'S Wife, Eddie Redmayne - Marius, Samantha Barks - Eponine, Aaron Tveit - Enjolras and Geoffrey Rush. Directed by Tom Hooper.

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, 'Les Misérables' tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption - a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Ex-prisoner Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

REVIEWS Les Misérables - A dream unfulfilled
Les Misérables - Hugh and Russell on the red carpet