Ep 221: VIRGINIA WOOLF'S NIGHT & DAY: the filmmakers and star on adapting the comedy for the screen

Ep 221: VIRGINIA WOOLF'S NIGHT & DAY: the filmmakers and star on adapting the comedy for the screen

June 17, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

This episode features a Q&A with the filmmakers and star of VIRGINIA WOOLF'S NIGHT & DAY discussing its adaptation and themes.

This special episode of Girls On Film comes to you from Vue West End, Leicester Square. At our Q&A screening of VIRGINIA WOOLF’S NIGHT & DAY host, Anna Smith is joined by the film’s director Tina Gharavi, lead actor Haley Bennett and writer-producer Justine Waddell. Justine talks about her ‘free adaptation’ of Woolf’s 1910 novel and shining a light on Edwardian England’s forgotten female scientists. Tina expresses gratitude for the film’s dream cast – which in addition to Haley Bennett, includes Jennifer Saunders, Timothy Spall, Jack Whitehall, Lily Allen, Misia Butler, Elyas M’Barek and Sally Phillips. She also reflects on the joys of shooting in North East England and the challenges of balancing playfulness and experimentation with the demands of script, budget and schedule. Haley speaks of finding inspiration in her character, Katharine Hilbery’s big dreams and belief in her own instincts. Set against the backdrop of the suffragette movement the film brings into sharp focus the choices and limitations faced by early twentieth century women but also their determination to break down barriers and create new pathways. Other films mentioned in this episode: ELOISE AT THE PLAZA…

People in this episode

Host: Anna Smith

Guests: Tina Gharavi, Haley Bennett, Justine Waddell

Topics covered

Keywords

Sponsors

Vue Lumière

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: VIRGINIA WOOLF'S NIGHT & DAY, ELOISE AT THE PLAZA, SIXTEEN CANDLES, THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Places: Vue West End, Leicester Square

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