Wetherby Stagecoach students shine on big screen in new ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ film
As the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, lands in cinemas, audiences should keep a sharp eye out for some familiar Wetherby faces.
A number of enthusiastic young stars from Stagecoach Garforth, Selby, Wetherby, and Pontefract have made a memorable big-screen appearance alongside the iconic Shelby clan.
In Autumn 2024, a group of students transformed themselves with soot-daubed faces and vintage costumes as they joined the cast as supporting artists.
That hard work paid off as the film, set against the dramatic backdrop of World War II, is finally unveiled to the public.
The young actors, ranging in age from 8 to 15, filmed at iconic locations across the North, including St George’s Hall in Liverpool and the former Pilkington factory in St Helens.
From underground bunkers filled with ‘authentic grime’ to high-octane night shoots involving rain machines and pyrotechnic explosions, the students experienced the true magic of a blockbuster film set first-hand.
Simon Austin, Principal of Stagecoach Garforth, Wetherby, Selby and Pontefract, said: “It is so exciting to finally see our students on the big screen.
"They were transported to another era during filming.
"One night in Liverpool was particularly dramatic, re-enacting an air raid with stunt teams, vintage London buses, and massive lighting rigs.
"While most of them aren't quite old enough to watch the full film yet, we are all incredibly proud to see their names and faces associated with such a massive production.”
The students all had vital roles to play throughout the production.
Sophia, 11, and Dylan, 13, from Stagecoach Wetherby, found themselves in the middle of the action on a vintage bus during a fast-paced air-raid sequence and had to run off when the bombs hit.
For many of the students, this release marks a significant milestone in their performing arts journey, including Dylan, who adds this to a growing résumé that already includes House of the Dragon and Downton Abbey.
With a network of over 60,000 students and more than 3,000 extra-curricular Performing Arts Schools worldwide, Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students’ lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life and many children have gone on to study and work in Performing Arts from blockbuster films to countless roles in local theatre productions.
For more information about Stagecoach Garforth, Wetherby and Pontefract, visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/garforthandselby