Sutherland takes on an unexpected role while filming across Yorkshire
Summary
– Kiefer Sutherland stars in Tinsel Town as a fading action hero forced into small-town pantomime
– Filming across Yorkshire brings local charm, community interaction and comedic behind-the-scenes moments
– Rebel Wilson, Meera Syal, Maria Friedman, and a strong British cast round out the festive production
Kiefer Sutherland steps into a very different world with Tinsel Town, a Christmas film centered on the quirky traditions of British pantomime. The project brought Sutherland to Yorkshire for several months, during which locals caught glimpses of the Hollywood star in market towns such as Knaresborough and Wetherby. The film captures both comedy and warmth as Sutherland leans into a playful new role far removed from his intense Jack Bauer persona.
In Tinsel Town, Sutherland plays Bradley Mack, a washed-up action star who believes a West End production will revive his career. Instead, he arrives in England to discover he has been cast in a small community version of Cinderella in the fictional northern town of Stoneford. His character’s slow descent into “actor hell,” as Sutherland describes it, becomes both comedic and heartfelt as Bradley faces his shortcomings and reconnects with his semi-estranged daughter.
Filming offered its own share of memorable moments. Sutherland embraced Yorkshire life, spending downtime wandering Leeds, visiting local pubs, and indulging in Greggs’ pastries. He even arranged for a Greggs van to visit the set. Castmates shared stories of his humor, including giving driving advice during a repeatedly stalled minibus scene and recommending local pie shops.
The film features an ensemble of established British talent. Meera Syal and Derek Jacobi lend theatrical gravitas, while Maria Friedman plays a delightfully offbeat fairy godmother. Rebel Wilson appears as Jill, the production’s choreographer, tackling a Yorkshire accent and adding her own comedic energy. Wilson and Sutherland share musical moments and a waltz that highlights the film’s blend of sincerity and humor.
Behind the scenes, director Chris Foggin shaped the project with a desire to capture the warmth of classic holiday films. Foggin’s northern roots and affection for Christmas cinema helped define the tone of Tinsel Town. He approached the film as a love letter to pantomime and the communities that keep the tradition alive. The production traveled through theaters, studios, and small towns across Yorkshire to create its festive world.
One standout sequence features Sutherland and Danny Dyer in an intentionally clumsy fight scene. Both actors leaned into the idea that their characters are terrible fighters, creating a moment that Sutherland now cites as one of his favorite fight scenes of his career.
While Sutherland brings global experience to the role, he revealed a surprising detail. Despite filming a pantomime-themed movie, he has never actually seen a panto live. After missing a show by a single day when he first arrived in the UK, he plans to change that now that production is complete.
Tinsel Town debuts on Sky Cinema on December 5 and offers a mix of holiday cheer, offbeat humor, and heartfelt moments grounded in the spirit of community theatre.
