A COMEDY gangster film which was written and filmed in north Essex is set to come to Halstead’s cinema.

The Empire Theatre has announced it will be screening a special film presentation of an independent north Essex film.

The theatre will be showing the black comedy film Lucas and Albert this month.

Theatre bosses say they are proud to be supporting regional cinema as the film was shot on location in Tendring.

Lucas and Albert was written by partners Robert and Antony Longhurst, from Thorpe-le-Soken, and directed by Darren S Cook.

The film stars James Osbourne and writer Anthony Longhurst but is also littered with television talent.

The cast includes John Altman, known for playing ‘Nasty’ Nick Cotton in EastEnders, and Michael McKell from medical soap opera Doctors.

It follows the tale of the two titular ageing hitmen, who usually work solo and have been hired to carry out one last job before hanging their guns up for good.

The film first premiered in 2019 and was even nominated in the Best Feature Film category at 2020’s National Film Awards, alongside war epic and Oscar favourite, 1917.

The movie, which has a 90-minute running time, was finally relaunched this year following delays due to the pandemic, which scuppered its original launch.

Now the film coming to the Empire on Friday, July 16.

Theatre’s trust chairman Mike George said: “It is important to support independent film makers and their creativity, especially as this can lead on to bigger and better things, creating opportunity and employment for actors, actresses, technicians and crew.”

He added “We tried to put this on last year but the pandemic stopped us from screening twice, but we are determined to get this to screen and give the makers the opportunity to have their work seen.”

Writer Anthony Longhurst will introduce the film and host a Q&A session.

Members of the cast could also be attending.

Visit empire-theatre.co.uk for more information or to book tickets.