Update: Watch the whole back, at your leisure, above. Cheers!

Quite possibly the funniest British film ever made, Withnail & I has gained cult status since its release in 1987. Telling the tragicomic story of two out-of-work, alcoholic actors seeking escape in the countryside, the film introduced the world to Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann and, perhaps most importantly, the Camberwell Carrot. It also inspired some of the greatest comedy films of our age.

That's why we asked Withnail & I writer/director Bruce Robinson to join us for a watchalong on Esquire UK’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube feeds this Sunday 17 May at 7pm BST (2pm ET for American viewers.) There, the 74-year-old will be answering questions from fans, taking us behind-the-scenes and discussing the film's legacy.

british screenwriter and director bruce robinson in stony stratford, buckinghamshire, for the movie withnail i, 1986 photo by murray closegetty images
Murray Close//Getty Images

The idea is simple: press play on Withnail & I (rental options are listed below) at the same moment as Bruce, and listen along to his play-by-play analysis and commentary in real-time.

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Based on the director's early experiences as an actor (it was originally planned as a novel), Withnail & I is hailed for its wit, pathos and brilliant performances, as well as the perfect Sixties atmosphere Robinson managed to conjure. It has directly inspired countless movies – from Sideways to The Nice Guys – and a fair few drinking games too.

So make sure you head on over to Esquire's Twitter, YouTube and Facebook feeds on Sunday 17 May at 7pm (BST) to watch along with Esquire and Bruce Robinson (and a glass of something special, of course).

Elsewhere, an annual screening of Withnail & I in Birmingham, 'Withnail Brum', has been forced to cancel due to the current epidemic. Its creator, Matt Bowsher, has created a charity fundraiser in its place to support domestic abuse sufferers. You can donate here.

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