A group of learners have been working hard with Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre to create a silent film using the museum as the backdrop.
The collective, known as the Heritage Heroes (funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund) is a group of adults with additional educational needs who visit the museum once a week. During this time, they learn about the history of the town and the Fishing Heritage Centre.
To mark the end of the first phase of the project, the group came up with the idea of producing a silent movie using the museum and its exhibitions as the backdrop.
Grimsby Red is their modern take on the famous Little Red Riding Hood. In this version, the evil villain chases after Grimsby Red to try and steal her grandma’s chips! Using iconic parts of the museum such as the atrium and the pub, the group have put in a tremendous effort to produce the new film which recently had a premier at Parkway Cinema in Cleethorpes.
Heritage Heroes cast on stage
Alistair Eachus, Dynamic Collections Officer and Heritage Heroes Lead, was thrilled to see the film come to life and is immensely proud of what they’ve all achieved. “’It’s been so rewarding getting to work with the Heritage Heroes every week and watching them engage with their local heritage.
“This film is the perfect opportunity to give them a once in a lifetime chance to see themselves on the big screen and for them to say that they were the stars of their own movie,” he said.
For those involved in the film, it’s been a great experience and an opportunity to learn something new.
Clifford Le Roy, who played the evil Mr. Wolf in the film, was thrilled to have been part of the project. “I’m really happy and can’t wait to see the movie.” He added: “My favourite part was playing the big bad Mr. Wolf.”
Clifford on the big screen
Fellow co-star Neila Vitliapaite plays Grimsby’s very own Little Red Riding Hood echoed Clifford’s thought and couldn’t wait to see her character on the big screen.
Other members of the cast were just happy to see it all come together. Extras Tom Spittlehouse and Marieanna Amponin we’re both nervous and excited at the premiere as they settled down to watch the final version of Grimsby Red.
Having worked for months on the project, the premier was also a time of reflection for many of the group. Nathan Carlisle, who played a Police Officer, said: “I think the whole project has just been really worthwhile and everything we’re doing is working well.”
Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Visitor Economy, said: “The cast should be so proud of what they’ve achieved, it’s amazing. Grimsby Red has been a great example of partnership working between the Fishing Heritage Centre and the Linkage Community Trust.”
If anyone would like to watch Grimsby Red, visit the Fishing Heritage Centre’s YouTube channel – Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre – YouTube
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