MORRIS: A LIFE WITH BELLS ON
Year: 2009
UK: Twist Films
Cast: Charles Thomas Oldham, Derek Jacobi, Naomie Harris, Ian Hart, Dominique Pinon, Sophie Thompson, Harriet Walter, Aidan McArdle, Greg Wise
Director: Lucy Akhurst
Country: UK
UK: 101 mins
UK Certificate: 12A contains two uses of strong language and moderate sex references
UK Release Date: 27 September 2009
Synopsis
Despite rumours circulating earlier in the year, Morris Dancing (yes Morris Dancing), is very much alive with thousands of participants across the UK and is now the subject of a major new film MORRIS: A LIFE WITH BELLS ON.
A film that will have even the most cynical viewer reaching for their white handkerchiefs, MORRIS: A LIFE WITH BELLS ON is directed by Lucy Akhurst and stars Charles Thomas Oldham (who also wrote the screenplay) as Derecq Twist, along with Sir Derek Jacobi (THE GOLDEN COMPASS), Naomie Harris (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END), Ian Hart (A COCK AND BULL STORY), Dominique Pinon (DELICATESSEN), Sophie Thompson (EASTENDERS TV series) Harriet Walter (THE YOUNG VICTORIA), Aidan McArdle (THE DUCHESS), and Greg Wise (SENSE AND SENSIBILITY).
Described as THIS IS SPINAL TAP meets CALENDAR GIRLS, the film follows the fortunes of an avant-garde Morris team in their struggle to push the boundaries of the venerable, ancient dance. Set around the country pub The Travellers Staff, the docu-style comedy proves that Morris is not just an innocent pub pastime involving hanky-waving and bearded men with staffs, but also that it has its politics-laden, ultra-competitive side too.
The Millsham Morris men and their leader Derecq Twist are determined to achieve Morris perfection. But Derecq is also preparing to set the Morris world alight by performing the ultimate dance within the Morris firmament, the legendary Threeple Hammer Damson. As if this is not enough, he is in addition pioneering an innovative, daringly freeform brand of the dance dubbed "Extreme Morris," drawing the anger of traditionalist elements within the Morris community. When Millsham unveil their creation in competition, the Morris Circle - the governing body of Morris in the UK - bans Derecq from future competition. Totally devastated by the decision, Derecq embarks on a global odyssey through tragedy and triumph, which gravely tests his passion for Morris.
Don't miss out on the Morris phenomenon...
Soundtrack synopsis
Dreamboat Records will be releasing the MORRIS: A LIFE WITH BELLS ON Original Soundtrack on the 28th of September 2009. Packed with 31 magnificent tracks written by Richard Lumsden ranging from traditional folk music, orchestral arrangements to pieces that will ensure your Morris gear gets a workout. No scrimping on quality either with some of the country's best folk musicians (John Dipper, Saul Rose and Laurel Swift) getting involved to create this magnificent soundtrack. Visit Dreamboat Records to hear some previews and pre-order.