Tinsel Town cast reveal Kiefer Sutherland’s reaction to British panto for new Christmas film

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It’s a rainy February day in Leeds, and the crew at Versa Studios are filming a scene featuring the Ghost of Christmas Future. They’ve scouted locations in towns like Knaresborough, Wetherby, and Wakefield, and today marks the 17th day of filming for “Tinsel Town,” a new Sky Cinema movie boasting a huge cast of well-known actors – almost like a West End pantomime!

It’s perfectly suited to the film’s style. This charming and often funny story is a heartfelt celebration of classic British Christmas traditions – think fairy tales, wicked stepsisters, glamorous princesses, and over-the-top villains, all inspired by the joyful local pantomimes that brighten up towns and cities every year.

The movie boasts an incredibly talented cast, led by Kiefer Sutherland as Bradley Mack, a fading American action star. Rebel Wilson plays a choreographer in the quaint Yorkshire town of Stoneford, and she has the challenge of coaching Sutherland’s character, who’s a reluctant actor, to play Buttons in a local amateur production of Cinderella.

I’m playing Cassie in this really fun project – I’m the director of the pantomime that a major Hollywood star somehow stumbled into! It’s a bit chaotic right now as we get everything ready to film a single-take song and dance number. We’re using a mashup of Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Santa Can’t You Hear Me’ which is… ambitious, let’s say! Everyone – the cast, crew, even the dancing fairies – is buzzing with energy.

As someone who’s spent a lifetime watching films and getting to know filmmakers, I’ve met a lot of directors. And this particular director? She’s done tons of pantomimes – and genuinely loves them, which is fantastic to see.

Syal joins a fantastic group of British actors completing the cast, including the esteemed Sir Derek Jacobi, along with Danny Dyer, Asim Chaudhry, Maria Friedman, Alice Eve, Mawaan Rizwan, and Jason Manford.

Katherine Ryan, a Canadian comedian who now lives in the UK, says she took the role because of the other actors involved. She plays the agent of a demanding comedian, Mack, and booked him a part in a local pantomime show. He mistakenly believes it’s a high-profile performance at a famous theatre, but it could actually be what he needs to change his ways. Ryan explains she doesn’t usually act, but the filming schedule worked well with her tour dates in Leeds.

Sutherland is a true Canadian icon,” Katherine explains. After recently working with Shania Twain, she felt it was destiny that she was meeting so many of her Canadian idols.

Bradley demonstrates both intensity and composure in Leeds, surprisingly showcasing some polished dance moves with Jill Wilson. Sutherland, age 58, is famous for his roles in films like Stand by Me, Young Guns, and A Few Good Men, but he’s perhaps best known as the resilient Jack Bauer from the hit action series 24, which spanned nine seasons.

I asked him where he learned those dance moves, and he jokingly replied, “Pure panic!” He then praised the film’s choreographers, saying it reminded him of his theatre school days and that he hadn’t done a dance number since. He explained that the film included several unique things – things he hadn’t done in any of his other work, which was a big reason he was drawn to the project.

Rizwan, known for his award-winning comedy show Juice, plays a local resident of Stoneford who has a lot of different jobs. He says being in a Christmas movie is something he’s always wanted, but he was also really nervous about working with such famous actors. He remembers being particularly stressed on the second day of filming when he had to drive a stick-shift car.

It’s been years since I last drove a stick shift – back when I took my driving test. I was behind the wheel of a vintage Volkswagen camper van with a tricky gear stick, and the whole cast of the movie was crammed inside with me. Kiefer was in the passenger seat, Rebel was right behind me, and everyone else was in the back. It was pretty intimidating considering how famous and successful everyone in that van was! I kept stalling it, but thankfully, everyone thought it was hilarious.

The production was funny from the very beginning, especially thanks to the witty script. Maria Friedman, a seasoned stage actress who plays a playfully flirtatious character hoping to connect with Bradley, confirms this. She was drawn to ‘Tinsel Town’ for two main reasons: first, the script genuinely made her laugh – something we all need right now. And second, the chance to work with Kiefer Sutherland! He’s been a memorable part of her TV-watching experience, as he was the star of ’24’, the first box set she ever binge-watched. She praised the show’s brilliant filmmaking and storytelling, highlighting Sutherland’s fantastic performance.

Sutherland readily admits he knew very little about pantomime before starting this film. Fortunately, Ashley Manford, who played one of the ugly sisters with Chaudhry, had just finished performing in Cinderella at Manchester Opera House. He was able to share his knowledge of pantomime traditions with Sutherland, which perfectly suited the film’s self-aware and playful style.

There were times during filming when Kiefer Sutherland seemed genuinely surprised, like, ‘Wait a second – I’m a famous actor playing a character in a British pantomime!’ But as a comedian who’s about to begin a run in Manchester’s ‘Robin Hood’ – his fourth consecutive pantomime – he’s actually the best person among the Hollywood cast to explain why this uniquely British type of theatre remains so popular.

Manford points out that while pantomimes are sometimes dismissed as low-quality entertainment, they appeal to all ages and are crucial for many theaters’ survival. He argues that those who look down on pantomimes should remember that popular shows like ‘Snow White’ in December allow theaters to stage more serious productions, like ‘The Cherry Orchard,’ later in the year. Essentially, pantomimes financially support British theater as a whole.

It’s no surprise that the appeal of pantomime translates into a genuinely funny and heartwarming Christmas film. Katherine Ryan certainly believes ‘Tinsel Town’ fits the bill, saying it’s as charming and amusing as the classic ‘Elf.’ That’s a strong endorsement!

Sky Original Film Tinsel Town will be coming to Sky Cinema on 5th December 2025.

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2025-11-24 21:15