Excitement is mounting locally ahead of the release of the latest Bridget Jones film, partly shot in Keswick and the surrounding area.
The fourth instalment of the saga, based on Helen Fielding’s novels, once again has American actress Renée Zellweger in the starring role as a 51-year-old single mother to two in the modern era of social media and dating apps.
The romantic comedy, Mad About the Boy, is to be released on February 13 and one of those eagerly anticipating its premiere is Alhambra co-owner Jonathan Moore.
He said it was the first of half a dozen blockbuster films that are to be released this year and although he had not yet seen it, anticipated that it would be “a warm and lovely film for troubled times”.
Last summer speculation was rife that part of the film was being shot in Keswick as well as Borrowdale, Buttermere, Thirlmere and the base of Catbells after production vehicles were spotted parked up at Keswick Rugby Club.
“We are expecting it to be extremely popular,” said Jonathan. “It’s your classic curl up and snuggle up film. It’s perfect entertainment for mid winter. It’s warm and lovely as opposed the the weather which is cold an wet. They know what they are doing releasing it around Valentine’s Day.”
Jonathan said how much people would see of the local area was all down to the editing. In the summer there were reports that the Hollywood actress had been seen filming school trip scenes in Keswick with a group of children while dressed in camping gear with a sun hat and wax jacket and denim dungarees.
The actor was also joined by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays Mr Walker, who is Bridget’s love interest in the film.
Renée Zellweger is no stranger to the Lake District having starred in the 2006 film Miss Potter which was based on the life of children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. The film premiered at the Royalty Cinema in Bowness.
