Couple’s ‘surreal’ night hosting film premiere party
Il Capitano handout
A couple have described as “surreal” finding themselves hosting a last-minute after-party for the premiere of a new film.
Hannah Walters, who is married to Kirkby-born actor Stephen Graham, was celebrating her first lead role in a new independent film Amazing Grace which had its first showing at the Plaza Community Cinema in Waterloo, Merseyside.
Jay Wilson and Eve Smith – owners of the nearby Il Capitano restaurant – said they were called by the cinema and asked if they could host the after-party for the film set in Liverpool.
“It was a whirlwind,” Wilson said, while Smith added that “everyone was so down to earth”.
The film was written by Liverpool writer-actor Daniel P. Lewis, who also performs in it, alongside This City Is Ours star James Nelson-Joyce.
The film tells the story of Walter, played by Lewis, a man on the brink of a mental health breakdown, who forms an unexpected bond with Grace, played by Walters, a volunteer on a crisis helpline.
ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Smith said the couple were stunned when they received a call from their friend Matt Owen, from the Plaza, asking if they could host a private party at about 11:00 GMT on the day of the premiere.
They set about organising the private party for Graham and Walters, their family and cast and crew, but had to keep it under wraps so the actors could enjoy their night in private.
Il Capitano handout
Wilson, 43, said: “It was so surreal to see Stephen Graham in our restaurant. He’s a national treasure.”
Smith added: “Hannah is a gorgeous human being. You can see how much she cares for the cast and crew.
“She gave me the biggest hug.”
She said it was incredible such “megastars had taken interest in their little neighbourhood pizzeria” and supported local businesses.
Dave Evans
Smith, 28, said: “It is a raw and intense film… and so real.
“It makes you realise how mental health is so important.”
She added: “It was phenomenal.”
She said there was an “amazing energy” at the event, which catered for about 70 guests.
“Everyone was so down to earth,” she said.
Amazing Grace was released in UK cinemas on 6 November.
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