Joanna Lumley Helps Make A Swansea School’s Christmas Film Absolutely Fabulous
ACTING royalty Joanna Lumley has played her part in making a Swansea school’s Christmas film absolutely fabulous.
Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn has linked up with the screen legend who has provided the voice-over for an animated film the pupils have based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl.
The youngsters and their families are now dusting down their frocks and bow ties ahead of the film’s premier at the Odeon Cinema in Swansea on Thursday night.
More than 30 pupils have worked on the production throughout the term and all money raised by the film will go to the Kids Cancer Charity.
It is not the first time the school, which caters for youngsters with a range of disabilities, has secured a famous voice to help its annual Christmas film.
Last year Brian Blessed added his distinctive booming charm to their efforts and the year before Michael Sheen provided the narration.
Jen Raynor, Swansea Council Cabinet member for Education, said: “Each year the students create a truly magical Christmas narration and I’m sure this year’s film will be no different.
“It is always a pleasure to hear about the hard work schools throughout our city do to support good causes and the students at Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn are among the most active.”
The animated film features silhouettes of the students as characters from Andersen’s classic short story.
The students worked with animators from Bait Studios in Cardiff while Swansea composer Mark Thomas wrote the score and singers Laura Jayne, Kelly Israel and Shellyann.
The film has been sponsored by VALE in Clydach and Bait Studio.
Pen-Y-Bryn teacher James Williams said: “The pupils had a fantastic time working with Ms Lumley and I think she quite enjoyed herself too.”
Year 11 pupil, Carys Hadfield, said: “We have worked really hard on the project and only just finished filming all the parts of the film.”
Ieuan Evans, also Year 11, added: “We have filmed lots of scenes against green screen and added effects like snow afterwards using computers.”
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