A Midwinter's Tale (1995)

In the heart of the quaint village of Hope, Joe Harper (Michael Maloney), a struggling actor teetering on the brink of a nervous breakdown, undertakes an ambitious endeavor: staging a Christmas production of Hamlet to salvage his sister's cherished local church. Despite the dire warnings from his seasoned agent Margaretta D'Arcy (Dame Joan Collins) about the potential career suicide he is about to commit, Harper remains undeterred. Navigating the harsh realities of his profession, he finds himself unable to attract the crème de la crème of the acting world. Instead, he finds himself with a motley crew of actors, all available even during the festive season and willing to participate on a precarious "profit-sharing" basis. This unconventional cast, riddled with their unique quirks and personal dramas, is sceptical of the success of such a somber play amidst the holiday cheer. However, as the countdown to the opening night begins, the ragtag troupe finds themselves entwined in a journey that unveils more than just theatrical prowess. Amidst the mounting challenges and the seemingly morbid ambiance of their chosen play, they discover a tapestry of love, laughter, and camaraderie. As Harper's vision of Hamlet comes to life in the most unexpected way, the small village of Hope begins to embody its name, proving that sometimes, the show must go on, no matter how unlikely the circumstances.

A Midwinter's Tale is a comedy movie featuring Mark Hadfield and directed by Kenneth Branagh.

It is possible to buy A Midwinter's Tale on Amazon Video and Apple TV.