FILM MEETS FOOD AT ST GEORGE’S HALL

Tonight, Great British Menu rolls out their Movie Awards Banquet in the heart of Liverpool, with this series’ red carpet finale filmed at St George’s Hall, facilitated by Liverpool Film Office. Our region’s neo-classical gem is no stranger to the camera, featuring in blockbuster movies such as The Batman and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The winning chefs are preparing a Banquet to celebrate over 80 VIP guests specially invited from the world of British film – from BAFTA winners to Oscar winners, actors to directors, screenwriters to set decorators, costume designers to casting directors, stunt actors and more – keeping in line with Liverpool’s status as Britain’s most filmed city after London.

The finale banquet celebrating British moviemakers has a star-studded guestlist with acclaimed British actors Alison Steadman OBE, Sue Johnston, Lolly Adefope and this year’s BAFTA rising star actress Posy Sterling. Global industry winners are numerous:  triple Oscar winning make-up designer Mark Coulier, Oscar winning costume designer Lindy Hemming, Oscar winning composer Anne Dudley, plus Oscar winning set decorator and scouser Lee Sandales. There’s also BAFTA winning producer Alison Owen (Elizabeth), BAFTA nominated screenwriter from Liverpool Frank Cottrell-Boyce (Hilary & Jackie), awarded directors from Belfast Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (Good Vibrations, Saipan), Welsh-Egyptian director Sally El-Hosaini (Netflix’s The Swimmers), veteran casting director of the last 13 James Bond films Debbie McWilliams and Liverpool poet and screenwriter of Yellow Submarine, Roger McGough. Representing the long film-making tradition of Liverpool which has the oldest film office in Europe, there were also local crew attending include producers, location managers, cam operators, plus proud members of the Liverpool Film Office team.

Andi Oliver, Presenter, said of the finale: “This is my 8th year on GBM and this year’s banquet menu is possibly the most refined, fascinating and exciting yet.  It’s the first time we’ve been to Liverpool for a banquet but it’s always been one of my favourite places. It was the perfect spot because it has such a rich heritage and connection to film making.”

This year’s 29-part Great British Menu competition on BBC Two has seen chefs creating original, innovative dishes themed on British movies from fantasy blockbusters like Harry Potter to romcoms like Bridget Jones, period dramas and classics like the Full Monty and Kes and Wallace and Gromit animations. Which dishes will grace the final Banquet menu to celebrate the UK’s film industry and which chef will be voted the ultimate award winner? It’s down to the movie legends to cast the final vote. All of the chefs want the top prize and the accolade of winning in the home of Britain’s oldest film office.

The Banquet Finale airs at 9pm on Friday 24th April on BBC 2 and iPlayer.