The first look images from upcoming film Allejuah, based on the famous stage play by Alan Bennett have been revealed. The film stars Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous), Judi Dench (Notes On A Scandal, Iris), Derek Jacobi (I Claudius, Frasier), David Bradley (Harry Potter, Game Of Thrones), Julia McKenzie (Guys And Dolls, Sweeney Todd), Russell Tovey (The History Boys) and Bally Gill (Ian Charleson Award 2019).
After finishing principal photography, the film is headed to Cannes where initial footage will be screened – we presume for potential distributors. Pathe plans to theatrically release the film in the UK early next year, coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of the NHS.
Here’s the story.
When the geriatric ward of a small Yorkshire hospital is threatened with closure, the hospital decides to fight back by galvanizing the local community. They invite a news crew to film their preparations for a concert in honour of the hospital’s most distinguished nurse. What could go wrong? ALLELUJAH celebrates the spirit of the elderly patients whilst paying tribute to the deep humanity of the medical staff battling with limited resources and ever-growing demand. But in the midst of the tears and the laughter, we slowly realise that there is something threatening the hospital that is far more lethal than the politicians demanding efficiency at any cost…
Check out the first stills above and below. All images © Pathé Productions Limited and British Broadcasting Corporation 2022.
