Fans of Kit De Waal’s best-selling book ‘My Name is Leon’ are in with a chance to attend an exclusive preview event of the BBC film adaptation with Sir Lenny Henry CBE on Tuesday 7 June at 7 pm.
Hosted by BBC WM’s Nikki Tapper, the event which will take place at Austin Court in the IET, Birmingham, will include a preview of exclusive clips from the film, and a panel discussion with the film’s executive producer, Sir Lenny Henry, author Kit De Waal, and more names to be announced.
Local audiences might even spot some of their favourite hangouts as the entire production was filmed in and around Birmingham, including spots like Cannon Hill Park, Moor Green Lane Allotments, and Jewellery Quarter.
Speaking of the film, Sir Lenny Henry said: "One of the best things about being involved in the TV adaptation of My Name Is Leon is that I’m from Dudley in the Black Country and the story is set in 80’s Birmingham. We shot the film in Moseley and it was great to be in and around the familiar-sounding voices of home.
“It takes a lot to get a small film made in Birmingham on our screens these days - but it was worth it in my eyes. My Name Is Leon is a great novel, full of moving and laugh-out-loud moments. I hope everyone enjoys it. We made it in the Midlands and it’s Bostin’."
My Name is Leon stars Malachi Kirby, Monica Dolan, Olivia Williams, Christopher Eccleston, Poppy Lee Friar, Shobna Gulati and Sir Lenny Henry CBE. Cole Martin plays the lead, Leon, in his first TV role. The film is set in 1980s Birmingham against the backdrop of the race riots and tells the uplifting and moving story of nine-year-old Leon - a mixed-race boy with a quest to reunite his family after being taken into care and separated from his blonde and blue-eyed baby brother.
Stuart Thomas, Head of the Midlands for BBC England, said: “We are delighted to bring this story to our local audiences - amid the heart-warming storyline, the film depicts the reality of life in Birmingham in the eighties whilst also showing off this wonderful city.” To be in with a chance of attending this event, apply for tickets on the BBC Shows and Tours website. The ticket ballot will close at 4pm on Tuesday 31 May.
