Knaresborough Hosts Public Premiere of Sky's Tinsel Town

An independent theatre group in Knaresborough hosts a special public screening of Sky's festive film Tinsel Town, offering locals a first, free look ahead of the film's release.

In the North Yorkshire town of Knaresborough, a local theatre group hosted a rare public screening of Sky's festive film Tinsel Town. The event gave residents a first look before the official release and turned Frazer Theatre into a small premiere venue.

Two screenings were held at Frazer Theatre, a 127-seat venue owned by the Knaresborough Players. Both screenings were free and sold out within seconds, underscoring strong local interest in seeing a major film on a regional stage.

The film was partly filmed in Knaresborough, with additional scenes shot in nearby Wetherby and at Versa Studios in Leeds. The story follows a down-on-his-luck Hollywood action star who travels to Britain hoping for a comeback, only to find himself cast in a Cinderella pantomime in a small Yorkshire town.

Sian Pearce, secretary of the Knaresborough Players, said she was proud to host the screenings. She noted that audience reaction showed how appealing a big-screen experience in a local theatre can be, rather than watching at home on the sofa.

Local volunteer Matt secured permission to screen the film after reaching out to Sky through LinkedIn and speaking with a Sky commissioning editor. He joked that the setup felt a bit improvised, held together with gaffer tape. Sky had organised a red-carpet premiere in London the prior week, but this event represented a unique public premiere for Knaresborough.

Kelly Young, another resident, received approval from Sky to run additional screenings of Tinsel Town in local pubs on Friday, expanding the town's engagement with the film. Filming earlier in the year highlighted the town's charm, including exterior shots near a hair salon that helped showcase Knaresborough on screen.

John Pearce, vice-chair of the Knaresborough Players, greeted attendees and acknowledged the social media buzz surrounding the event. He recalled a memorable moment from the screening that drew laughter and reminded everyone of the benefit of a regional audience.

Overall, the effort demonstrates how regional theatres can host premieres and bring communities closer to cinema, boosting local pride and supporting regional arts. The town’s involvement has renewed excitement around local venues and their role in film history.

Expert comment: A film industry analyst notes that events like these prove audiences outside major cities crave cinema in familiar community spaces. Such screenings offer a practical model for regional premieres that can benefit both towns and filmmakers.

In summary, Knaresborough’s Frazer Theatre delivered a memorable, free public premiere of Tinsel Town, reflecting a broader trend of regional cinema engagement. The event showcased local filming sites, celebrated theatre volunteers, and demonstrated how small towns can connect with big-screen releases.

This approach highlights the growing importance of community venues in expanding film experiences beyond big capitals.