Plus Asim Chaudhry Mawaan Rizwan, Meera Syal and more

Comedians Jason Manford, Asim Chaudhry, Mawaan Rizwan and Katherine Ryan have joined the cast of Sky’s next festive comedy film, Tinsel Town.

They will star alongside the previously announced Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson in the movie, which is currently being shot in the UK. 

Producers have also announced Derek Jacobi, Maria Friedman, Meera Syal, Danny Dyer, Ray Fearon, Alice Eve, Lucien Laviscount and James Lance have boarded the project.

24 star Sutherland plays an egotistical Hollywood action star whose career takes a dive – so he heads to England, hoping to rebuild his image as a serious actor on the West End stage. 

Ryan will play his agent, who instead books him into a a small, snow-dusted village to star in a local production of Cinderella, where he encounters a no-nonsense choreographer Jill, played by Wilson.

Syal takes the director of the show while all the other names announced today play various villagers.

According to the show’s blurb:: ‘What starts as a professional disaster soon blossoms into an unforgettable, heartwarming journey of second chances, surprising friendships, and festive magic.’

Julia Stuart, director of original film at Sky said: ‘We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome such a phenomenal array of talent to Tinsel Town…. this cast is truly something special. 

‘Their chemistry and unique performances will bring an extra layer of magic, mischief, and heart to what promises to be a festive treat for Sky audiences.’

The script hs been written by Frazer Flintham, Adam Brown and Piers Ashworth with additional material by Jake Brunger, and will be directed by Chris Foggin, who helmed Bank of Dave.

Mister Smith Entertainment is currently looking for buyers to screen the film internationally at the European Film Market  The company’s David Garrett   said: ‘This is a delightfully funny and heartwarming movie with the kind of broad commercial appeal which has immediately resonated with the international buyers and ticks all the right boxes. It is going to be a fun ride.’

Tinsel Town will be coming to Sky Cinema for Christmas 2025.

Published: 14 Feb 2025