Cult Classics: The Lair of the White Worm

Ken Russell’s campy horror of vampire snakes set in the English countryside

Arc Cinema

8:00PM

$19.50 Full / $16.50 Concession (+$1.50 booking fee)

23 October, 2026

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Cult Classics: The Lair of the White Worm 23 October, 2026

1988 | R18+ | DCP | UK, USA | D: Ken Russell

The NFSA presents a series of irreverent, Friday night filmic feasts, curated and hosted by drag artist and culture warrior Venus Mantrap.   

Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap dives into the world of sharp, edgy films and beloved fan favourites. Each event features a pre-screening live performance by Venus in our beautiful art deco Arc Cinema.

Our Cult Classics screenings are often interactive and always full of laughs and surprises. Leave your serious side at home and enjoy a movie night with a twist. And probably a shimmy.

A young archaeologist (Peter Capaldi) meets Lady Sylvia Marsh (Amanda Donohoe) in rural Derbyshire and uncovers her links to an ancient serpent cult; and Lord James D’Ampton (Hugh Grant) is soon drawn in.

Adapted from a Bram Stoker novel, this absurd horror blends sexist tastelessness with plenty of phallic farce.

‘Director Ken Russell is at his kinky best in this horror story that is adult in its thrills, humor and sexuality.’ – Chicago Tribune

Includes pre-screening introduction and live performance by Venus Mantrap.

Arc Cinema

We are situated in the heart of Canberra on McCoy Circuit, Acton, between the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and the grounds of the Australian National University. Just a 10-minute walk from the city and state bus interchanges.

1 McCoy Circuit, Acton, ACT 2601

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