The Magic Of It All – The Story of Strawbs Documentary World Premiere Screening

Celebrating the life and work of David Cousins at his alma mater.

Attenborough Arts Centre is honoured to host the first screening of ‘The Magic Of It All’, a documentary celebrating the life, music, and legacy of David Cousins (General Science BSc 1962, Honorary Doctor of Music 2023), alumnus and founder and singer / songwriter of the legendary folk-rock band, Strawbs.

This one-night-only event will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025. The documentary, which will have an interval, will be introduced by members of the film crew who will have travelled from South Africa. In addition, Brian Willoughby, also of Strawbs, will introduce the re-release of the ‘long-lost’ album ‘The Bridge’, to be available from the end of November. There will also be a small exhibit covering David’s time at the University of Leicester as well as attendance from Blue Weaver (Strawbs, Bee Gees) and Brian Willougby (Strawbs).

The screening is a heartfelt tribute to Cousins, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 85. His contributions to music and broadcasting were profound, with tributes from Clash Music, Radio Today, The Telegraph and The Guardian highlighting his pioneering spirit and creative brilliance. As Natie Botes, a co-executive producer, says, “The Magic Of It All” showcases a creative burst from Classic Rock pioneer David Cousins and Strawbs, the band he was leading. With a surprising twist of fate it unveils fragile humanity and the weave of old bonds with new friendships. Nobody saw this one coming!”

Doors Open at 5:30pm
Event Starts at 6:00pm
Event Ends at 9:30pm

Programme

5:30pm – Arrival of guests
6pm – Introduction; How the documentary came to be made in South Africa, the transition to a career spanning film and The Magic Of It All and Rob Abendanon & Natie Botes, co-executive producers
6:10pm – The Magic Of It All, part 1
7pm – Interval and bar will be open to purchase drinks
7:20pm – The Magic Of It All, part 2
8:10pm – Introduction to The Bridge; Blue Weaver & Brian Willoughby, Strawbs
8:25pm – Audience discussion with Rob Abendanon, Natie Botes, Blue Weaver & Brian Willoughby
8:45pm – Reception, hosted by University of Leicester
9:30pm – Event ends

Parking

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us (near De Montfort Hall).