BLOCKBUSTER biopic Tolkien will be given an exclusive screening in Knutsford less than five miles from where it was filmed.

The much-anticipated movie which tells the story of the early life of JRR Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, was partly filmed at Ashley-based Tatton Studios after producers hand-picked one of its 24-acre backlots for key scenes

It stars BAFTA-nominated actor Nicholas Hoult as Tolkien alongside a stellar cast including Lily Collins, Colm Meaney, Derek Jacobi, Anthony Boyle, Patrick Gibson, Tom Glynn-Carney, Craig Roberts and Pam Ferris.

Created by Fox Searchlight, Tolkien is released in cinemas across the UK on Friday, May 3, with Tatton Studios hosting a screening for crew members and special guests at the Curzon Cinema in Knutsford.

Now, Tatton is inviting a pair of Knutsford Guardian readers to come along and enjoy this special invite-only event. See bottom of page for details on how to apply.

Charlie Greenstein, Head of TV and Film at Tatton Locations, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have had such a high-profile production on-site, not only helping to put Tatton on the map, but also cementing Cheshire’s place as a real go-to for film makers.

Knutsford Guardian:

“Our fantastic rural setting offers a blank canvas for producers looking to create dramatic scenes, so it was ideal for the iconic Battle of the Somme sections of the film. We hosted the crew and cast over a year ago so it’s exciting finally to be able to see it on the big screen and celebrate with the crew right here in Knutsford.”

The Studios, based in Altrincham, welcomed a cast of 150 WWI soldiers, 30 cavalry horses and a 300-strong crew, which included a dedicated SFX team to manage activity such as night shooting and also construction experts, who spent three months building the battle field.

Based on the family-owned Tatton Estate, and part of the Tatton Group, Tatton TV and Film manages the Estate’s impressive portfolio of rural and historic locations on offer to film makers and producers as well as many other locations across the UK. Its studio complex at Ashley Hall boasts two large build spaces, a 54ft green screen and 80 acres of showground, ideal for exterior set builds.

Recent productions include some of the UK’s most popular TV shows, such as Peaky Blinders, The Worst Witch, Curfew, Bancroft, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, with Tolkien being Tatton TV and Films’ most ambitious project yet.

As part of the event, Tatton will be collecting vital supplies for charity Hope Central (formerly Hampers of Hope), which provides a food bank service to those living in North East Cheshire. The organisation creates hampers that each contain enough food for breakfast, lunch and dinner for three days, taking into account family sizes.

Attendees will be able to bring along items to donate on the night or donate funds if they wish to do so. Suggested items include: cereal, instant porridge, milk, soup, tinned beans/tuna/spaghetti/veg/rice pudding/fruit, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, and biscuits, as well as tea, coffee and squash.

Charlie added: “Having a blockbuster like Tolkien being filmed here is a true testament to the sheer hard work, determination and belief that the Tatton team have. We’re thrilled to be supporting Hope Central as part of our celebrations and we hope that our guests will get behind us in backing such an amazing cause.”

Win tickets for the exclusive screening

The screening will be held at Curzon, Knutsford at 6pm this Friday (May 3).

To win a pair of tickets to the exclusive event, simply answer the following question correctly: Which actor plays Tolkien in the movie?

Email your answer, along with a contact telephone number, to knutsford@guardiangrp.co.uk by 11am on Friday 3 May. The winner will be contacted by 12.30pm. Usual Newsquest rules apply.

Tickets for the winner will be placed in the Curzon Box Office at the screening.