THIRSK'S Ritz Cinema is to host another exclusive pre-release show of a film shot on location in North Yorkshire film.

The Runaways will be shown for one night only on Sunday, January 13.

Filmed in Whitby, Thirsk and much of the North York Moors, the story is a charming adventure about three children and two donkeys who flee their home in Whitby and head for Leyburn in search of their estranged mother. Comparisons have been drawn to the classic The Railway Children.

The film is directed by Richard Heap and stars Mark Addy (The Full Monty, The Flintstones, Game of Thrones), Tara Fitzgerald (Brassed Off, Game of Thrones, Legend) and recent BAFTA winner Molly Windsor (BBC’s 3 Girls).

Writer/director Heap was keen to produce a feature film after 15 years of work in the documentary field and last year brought the opportunity. Marc Davies, a Ritz volunteers, kept in touch with him after initially asking if the cinema could be involved in some way.

Said Mr Heap: "Without doubt this is the most ambitious shoot I’ve been involved in. When I first met up with Mark Addy he told me I was a brave man wanting to shoot a script with children and animals as principle cast.

"But while it did instigate endless small delays, it also brought joy to the set. Macy and Rhys were complete stars, nailing it first or second take most of the time, and having donkeys to stroke was good therapy for when it was all going wrong.

"As a director I was at times quite grumpy because you are at the end of the line in terms of getting time to do work done but for many people on the set it was a unique and memorable experience"

The film was previewed in Whitby last October as much of the early filming takes place there and many extras were local. Since then the film has been shown at several film festivals.

Marc Davies said: "Particularly for the people of Thirsk there is local interest in the fact filming took place in the town – our cinema even features briefly. I'm very proud to be able to bring the film to Thirsk not just because of this, but because it's a cracker of a Yorkshire film and deserves to pick up attention."

"As well as the necessary darker moments, there is touching humour and an overwhelming feeling of hope and the good times freedom brings. It's a heartwarming tale the way a good children's story should be."

It is hoped some of the actors and extras will be at the showing and there will be a Q&A session afterwards with Richard Heap. The film will be shown in Whitby the following weekend.

Tickets cost £7.52 with concessions at £6.45 – only online via Eventbrite, a link is on the cinema's website www.ritzcinema.co.uk or alternatively Go to eventbrite.co.uk and search for Runaways in Thirsk

Tickets must be bought in advance online and are not available at the cinema. Doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.

The attached press release details everything and I hope may be of interest to your readers.

As you will hopefully be aware the Ritz Cinema in Thirsk is entirely volunteer-run and has been for over 22yrs now. We rely wholly on the support of the local community, our supporters and the good will of the local media to help keep the cinema running.

If I can be of any further assistance please feel free to contact me. Details for the film's writer / director and producer are included in the release.