Casablanca is the classic movie and provides a great basis for discussion of themes of sacrifice, repentance, suffering, loss and hope at Lent. Its wartime setting provides additional poignancy for study at a time of continued armed conflict around the world as well as the centenary remembrance of the first world war.
 
Miranda and Not Going Out writer Paul Kerensa makes an intriguing departure from his comedy writing, preparing this moving book in the style of DLT’s classic movie-based Lent Courses. A Beautiful Friendship is written with his wife, Zoë Young.
 
It is designed to be studied by groups or individuals alongside the DVD of Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The book includes leaders’ notes, timings for film clips, discussion-starters, reflections and prayers.
 
Paul Kerensa has been on the writing teams for Miranda and Not Going Out for all series. As a stand-up comedian he tours the country, has won ITV1’s Take The Mike Award, and performed solo shows for numerous years at Spring Harvest, New Wine and Greenbelt. He and his wife Zoë Young are small group leaders at their church in Guildford.