Being Frank: film screening in Leigh-on-Sea

April 28, 2019 by Ray Morgan

An exciting one-off film night is coming to Leigh on Sea with a screening of documentary Being Frank, about cult comedy character Frank Sidebottom, and a Q&A with its Director, Steve Sullivan. 

Taking place at The Old Foundry in Old Leigh High Street (formerly the Lynn Tait Gallery and now a groovy event space) on 31 May the screening is part of Southend Film Festival. 

Frank Sidebottom appeared on children's television in the 1980s and latterly appeared on programmes like Fantasy Football League in the 90s, achieving cult status with his instantly recognisable huge papier-mache head. 

The man behind Frank, Chris Sievey, is the focus of this documentary, a man who created a surreal and hilarious performance art character. Sievey died young, only 54, but his character of Frank amused many fans with his irreverance, humour and mad nasal voice. 

Jo Overfield, who has organised this event under a new local events company 'This must be the place', met Sievey in 2009 when she booked 'Frank' for a gig at the Union Chapel in Islington for her Sundown Arts organisation. "I loved Frank Sidebottom as a kid and to be able to book him for one of my events was a real honour. 

Chris Sievey was quite unwell at the time but still delivered a classic Frank performance. To be able to celebrate his life in this film is incredibly important. I'm so excited to be able to share the documentary with our local audiences who might not be able to see it elsewhere."

Tickets for this event are £5 and available on the night.

Being Frank: film screening and filmmaker Q&A

The Old Foundry

31 May, 7.30pm

Refreshments available

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