The Penguin Lessons

Postponement of The Penguin Lessons Screenings

We have decided to postpone the screenings of The Penguin Lessons following allegations of child sexual abuse made against Mike Thompson (who wrote under the pseudonym Tom Michell). While the police investigation is ongoing and no formal charges have been made, we believe it is the right thing to pause until the process is complete.

At NEAT, our priority is creating a safe and respectful environment where everyone feels welcome to participate. We want to foster a culture where victims of abuse, harassment, or bullying feel empowered to speak out, are listened to, and receive the support they deserve.

We also uphold the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” which is why we have chosen to postpone rather than cancel. This decision reflects our commitment to both fairness and the well-being of our community.

Thank you for your understanding as we take steps to ensure our values guide our actions.