Hollywood stars Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson have swapped Los Angeles for Leeds to film Tinsel Town, a festive comedy about pantomime. The film, directed by Chris Foggin, follows washed-up action star Bradley Mack (Sutherland) who hopes a West End role will revive his career, only to find himself starring in a small-town production of Cinderella.
Sutherland, best known for playing Jack Bauer in 24, said he enjoyed his time in Yorkshire, where locals spotted him walking around the university and visiting pubs. He also indulged his love for Greggs sausage rolls, even arranging for the bakery's van to visit the set. 'It was like the heavens had opened up,' he said of discovering the pastries while on tour with his band.
The film boasts a stellar cast including Derek Jacobi, Meera Syal, and Maria Friedman. Syal, who played Fairy Mermaid in Birmingham Hippodrome's Peter Pan in 2018, said panto is 'very life-affirming' and recalled her first experience of theatre at a church group panto. Friedman, an eight-time Olivier nominee, warned that cuts to the arts are 'terrifying' and noted that panto revenue keeps many theatres running for the whole year.
Rebel Wilson plays choreographer Jill, who supports the performance from the wings. She attempted a Yorkshire accent for the role, admitting it is 'hard' but that she did her best. The film is described as a feelgood family comedy that champions pantomime and its traditions.
