M. Butterfly (David Cronenberg, 1993).
Book tickets
A provocative, lesser-known gem in David Cronenberg’s oeuvre, M. Butterfly entwines love with deception, espionage and fantasy. Based on a real-life affair in 1960s China, the film unfolds as a haunting variation on the 'bed trick': a story of mistaken identity and self-delusion, where desire is sustained through illusion and cultural fantasy. As a lover’s identity is gradually unmasked, the film exposes the fragile boundaries between intimacy, performance and belief, and the limits of what can truly be known about another person.
This screening forms part of a wider film programme exploring the 'bed trick' – one of the oldest narrative devices in myth, literature and cinema – in which characters go to bed with one person and wake up with another. Across three films and a book launch, the programme examines how cinema uses disguise, secrecy and revelation to probe desire, fantasy and the entanglement of sex and lies.
Discover the programme
Curated by Izabella Scott, in collaboration with film curator Emily Wright.
This screening forms part of a wider film programme exploring the 'bed trick' – one of the oldest narrative devices in myth, literature and cinema – in which characters go to bed with one person and wake up with another. Across three films and a book launch, the programme examines how cinema uses disguise, secrecy and revelation to probe desire, fantasy and the entanglement of sex and lies.
Discover the programme
Curated by Izabella Scott, in collaboration with film curator Emily Wright.
Book tickets
08:30 pm
Thu, 26 Mar 2026
Cinema 2
Ticket information
- All tickets that do not require ID (full price, disabled, income support) can be printed at home or stored in email
- For aged-based concession tickets (under 25, student) please bring relevant ID to collect at the front desk before the event.
Access information
Cinema 2
- Both our Cinemas have step free access from The Mall and are accessible by ramp
- All seats are hard back, have a crushed velvet feel and they do not recline
- These are our seat size dimensions: W 42 x D 45 x H 52
- Arm rest either side of the seat dimensions: L 27 x W 7 x H 20
for the following requirements:
- We have a removable seat to create a wheelchair allocated space, please contact to organise this prior to the date and time of the screening
- We have unassigned seating. If you require a specific seat, please reserve this in advance
- Free for visitors where ticket prices are a barrier, please email
Members+ and all Patrons gain free entry to all cinema screenings, exhibitions, talks, and more.
Join today as a Member+ for £25/month.
no. 236848.