A COMEDY film set in Flintshire is opening in cinemas across the UK this month.

Chuck Chuck Baby, set at a chicken factory in Flint, opens in cinemas on July 19. The film has been featured in film festivals across the globe over the last 12 months, to critical acclaim.

The film stars Louise Brealey (Sherlock), Annabel Scholey (The Salisbury Poisoning, The Sixth Commandment) Sorcha Cusack (Snatch, Father Brown, Jane Eyre), Celyn Jones (Set Fire to the Stars).

The main character, Helen, spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for a dying mother-figure Gwen. Helen’s world takes an unexpected turn with the return of Joanne. They were the objects of the other’s unspoken teenage passions 20 years ago. One night, encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game that re-awakens their youthful feelings. 

It has been written and directed by Janis Pugh, from Flint, who worked at the chicken factory in Sandycroft some years ago - where she took much of the inspiration for the film.

Chuck Chuck Baby stars Louise Brealey and Annabelle Scholey were joined by director Janis Pugh and co-stars and real life ex-factory workers Amanda Waite-Jones, Vanessa Roberts, Zoe May and Babs Waite at the Chuck Chuck Baby premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival.Chuck Chuck Baby stars Louise Brealey and Annabelle Scholey were joined by director Janis Pugh and co-stars and real life ex-factory workers Amanda Waite-Jones, Vanessa Roberts, Zoe May and Babs Waite at the Chuck Chuck Baby premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival. (Image: Pako Mera)

Amazingly, the film features some characters played by local women who had never acted before.

They had also all previously worked at the chicken factory in Sandycroft - and were seen as the perfect fit. 

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One of them, Vanessa Roberts, who lives in Connah's Quay, said: "The three of us (Amanda Waite-Jones and Babs Waite) decided to go for an audition.

"We didn’t have agents and we have never done this kind of thing before. The audition was at the All Seasons Hotel on the A55 by Mold. By some twist of Fate, Janis remembers Babs and Amanda who are sisters from school days/Flint area where she grew up.

"The three of us had a very raucous and giggly audition, telling many tales from our days of the chicken factory that would make your hair curl. Janis and the other casting directors were in stitches."

At the end of the addition, Janis told them immediately that they had got the roles.

Janis said: "I am absolutely delighted that Chuck Chuck Baby has made it to general release in the UK and America. Our independent film, shot in 26 days has captured so many hearts on its festival journey, from Edinburgh to Toronto, Palm Springs, Zurich and many more.

"It’s a testament to an amazing cast and crew for all their hard work and belief in the story. But mostly it’s a fantastic tribute to the working women celebrated in the film.”

There will be a special preview of the film at the Storyhouse in Chester on Friday, July 12.