The film chronicles the Peterloo Massacre of 1819, which became one of the bloodiest events in British history. Frustrated by enduring poverty and lack of suffrage following the Napoleonic War, a 60,000-strong crowd, led by Henry "Orator" Hunt, gathers to peacefully demand political reform. When government troops storm the crowd, many civilians are killed and hundreds injured, provoking national outcry - and further government suppression.
'Peterloo', which stars Maxine Peake and Rory Kinnear, is an epic portrayal of the events leading up to the massacre and how it came to play a significant role in parliamentary reform.
Following the critically-acclaimed 'Mr Turner', and with a cast of over 100, 'Peterloo' has the largest budget of Leigh's films to date, and is a passion project for the Salford-raised director. Join him after the screening for a Q&A about the making of the film.