Knaresborough's Tiny Theatre Hosts Star-Studded Festive Film Premiere!

In the heart of Knaresborough, a small market town in North Yorkshire, the Frazer Theatre became the center of excitement as it hosted the public premiere of 'Tinsel Town', a festive film featuring stars like Kiefer Sutherland, Rebel Wilson, and Danny Dyer. The theatre, which seats only 127 people, was decorated with twinkling festive lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the special event. The movie was partly filmed in Knaresborough, with other scenes shot in Wetherby and at Versa Studios in Leeds. The anticipation was high, and when free tickets for the two exclusive screenings were released, they sold out within seconds, showing just how eager the community was to be part of this unique experience.

The idea for the premiere came from Matt, a local resident, who reached out to a Sky Cinema commissioning editor through LinkedIn. His bold move paid off, and he was able to secure permission for the Frazer Theatre to host what became the only public premiere of the film. While there had been a glamorous red carpet event in London, this screening was special because it was for the people of Knaresborough. The film itself tells the story of a struggling Hollywood action star, played by Sutherland, who travels to England for what he thinks is a big theatre role, only to discover he will be performing in a pantomime version of Cinderella in a small Yorkshire town.

Sian Pearce, secretary of the Knaresborough Players who own the Frazer Theatre, expressed her pride in hosting the screenings. She noted that the chance to watch the film in a theatre, rather than at home, made the experience much more memorable. The audience reacted enthusiastically, cheering when Knaresborough appeared on screen and playfully booing when Wetherby was shown. Coincidentally, the local theatre group’s own pantomime this year is also Cinderella, making the event feel even more connected to the film. Sian said the movie’s celebration of regional theatre made the screening particularly meaningful. John Pearce, vice-chair of the Knaresborough Players, welcomed ticket holders with humor, acknowledging how lucky they were to get seats. After the film, he shared that a scene where characters ran into a dead end street got a big laugh from the local audience, who knew the area well. The theatre is run by and for the community, and the event was a true team effort. Kelly Young, another resident, received permission to show the film in local pubs, and she described how filming in Knaresborough, especially near the castle and Christmas market, made the town look beautiful. The whole community felt proud and excited to see their town featured in a major Christmas movie.