Actors Jennifer Saunders and Timothy Spall think Newcastle should be the new Hollywood after filming a new blockbuster movie in the north-east.
A stellar cast of actors make up the cast of ‘unromantic comedy’, Night And Day is inspired by a Virginia Woolf novel of the same name.
US star Haley Bennett plays the lead role and is joined by a host of well-known British names including Lily Allen, Jennifer Saunders, Timothy Spall, Jack Whitehall and Sally Phillips.
It tells the story of Katherine Hilbury (played by Bennett), a young woman who does everything she can to avoid love and marriage in order to pursue her passion for astronomy.
Set at the start of the 20th Century, the action takes place against a backdrop of women fighting for the vote, advances in science and technology, and a crumbling patriarchy.
This has been Bennett’s first trip to the North East of England and the American says it has been a revelation.
“It’s just so incredibly dynamic. There was this myth that it was really grim here and it is not grim at all.
“It is full of life, everyone is full of life and colour. And honestly I think I could live here. “
Jennifer Saunders agreed saying: “I love it. Honestly I think everything should be made up here.
“The countryside is perfect, there is so much that is unique about here.
“The coastline is spectacular, you’ve got all this wild Northumbrian wilds, castles galore, country houses galore, and Newcastle which has got the most extraordinary architecture.
“And the people are just so lovely, and helpful and charming and different.”
And Timothy Spall, who considers himself an honouary Geordie after filming the long-running hit Tv series Auf Weidersehen Pet in the region added: “I’m honoured by the honour.
“People just hold the show that I did here with such affection.
“Over the years it has just grown and grown and grown. It’s lovely actually. People are pleased to see you.
“I’ve always loved coming to the North East.”
Sunderland-born musician Nadine Shah is making her film debut as a suffragette.
She can commute to the set from her dad’s house in Whitburn.
Director Tina Gharavi, an American Iranian who has lived on and off in Tyneside for more than 30 years, is a full-time lecturer at Newcastle University, lobbied hard for the film to be shot in the region.
From Northumberland to County Durham, good use has been made of the authentic locations the North East has to offer.
Filming has taken place all over including at Beamish Museum, Neville Hall, the Newcastle home of the Mining Institute, and Ryhope Engines Museum.
The film also stars Lily Allen Lily Allen who plays feisty Mary Datchet and believes the fight for women’s rights still resonates today.
“We have obviously come a long way since 1910 but there is still a way to go so I am hoping it will inspire people to keep pushing forward,” the singer songwriter said.
Comedian Jack Whitewall also features, modelling his look for William Rodney on another well-known face from the 1990s – Newcastle United’s Philippe Albert.
“That is what I was trying to channel with this moustache.
“This is a real moustache. I have grown that all myself. “I thought I looked very debonair to be honest but my father told me I looked like Ned Flanders from The Simpsons.”
