Ross Tomlinson (OH 2005-12) walked the Red Carpet at the BFI London Film Festival 2022 in October for the European Premiere of the film adaptation of Alan Bennett's play 'Allelujah'.  The film stars many esteemed actors including Jennifer Saunders, Judi Dench, Russell Tovey, David Bradley, Derek Jacobi and Bally Gill.  The film had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September, and will be released in UK cinemas from 17 March 2023 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the NHS.

The London Film Festival 2022 was a truly amazing night, and surreal to be on the carpet with such revered and wonderful people!

Ross plays the character Gerald, a physiotherapist, in the film, which is set on the geriatric ward of a Yorkshire hospital.  The threatened closure of the ward stirs an uprising from the local community, who invite a news crew to film preparations for a concert in honour of the hospital’s most distinguished nurse.  It is described as "a warm and deeply moving story about old age".

Ross completed filming of 'Allelujah' at the end of last year (2021) and described it as:

 ...the best experience of my life; getting to work with Judi Dench, the director Sir Richard Eyre, and Alan Bennett. They’re the dream team and it doesn’t get much better than that - I think I can retire now!

Getting to finally perform in an Alan Bennett adaptation was the realisation of a long held dream for Ross.

I remember watching a Hymers production of Alan Bennett’s 'The History Boys', of course in the Judi Dench Theatre, and being so jealous that I wasn’t allowed to be in it - it was for Sixth Formers only - so actually working with both of them was a definite “pinch me” moment.  Judi is one of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with. She fondly remembers opening the theatre at Hymers and she was delighted to be meet someone who caught the acting bug in a theatre that bears her name! She’s even agreed to come on a pub crawl around Hull and Beverley at some point, so look out!

Ross thoroughly enjoyed his time studying drama at Hymers College and in particular credits his drama teacher, Miss Catlin, for her support.

I was involved in tons of productions at Hymers. I think I spent more time in the theatre than in classes. We did an opera 'The Magic Flute', 'Jesus Christ Superstar' (I was Jesus!) and a load of plays.

I must mention that I am, and will always be, completely indebted to my drama teacher at Hymers, Miss Liane Catlin.  She was instrumental in me perusing a career as an actor; she was endlessly supportive and inspirational and I know I wouldn’t have had the confidence to chase the dream if it wasn’t for her.

Photos taken from the Red Carpet at the BFI London Film Festival 2022 can be seen below (Copyright Getty Images):